The empire known for its vast trade networks along the Silk Road was the Mongol Empire. Established in the 13th century by Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire expanded across vast territories in Asia and Europe, facilitating significant cultural, economic, and technological exchanges. The Empire's extensive communication and transportation networks allowed merchants to traverse the Silk Road safely, promoting trade in silk, spices, and other goods between East and West. This interconnectedness had a profound impact on the cultures and economies of the regions involved, fostering an era of globalization long before the modern age.