Silk Road, Traces of Ancient International Trade in Asia

Photo Source: Shutterstock via Kompas

INDEPHEDIA.com - The Silk Road traces of ancient international trade in Asia, which UNESCO designated on June 22, 2014 as World Heritage Sites.

The term 'Silk Road' was first used by the German researcher or geographer, Ferdinand von Richthofen, in the 18th century AD.

Ferdinand von Richthofen named this route 'The Silk Road' because of the trading commodities from China, which mostly consisted of silk.

This ancient international trade route originated from Chinese civilization which connected West and East, bringing together traders to carry out trading activities.

This Silk Road, apart from traders, was also passed by travelers, monks, warriors, nomads using caravans and ships.

Trading activity on the Silk Road increased around the 2nd century BC and continued to be used by international trade until the 16th century AD.

The Silk Road itself did not have a track in the form of a major road, but a route that branched off and at that time could only be passed by caravans.

This line connected Chang'an, People's Republic of China, with Antioch, Syria, as well as other places at various times.

The existence of activities on this route has influenced Korea and Japan, nations in East Asia.

The Silk Road divides into northern and southern routes and extends from the trading centers of North China and South China.

The northern route of the line passed through the Bulgar-Kipchak to Eastern Europe and the Crimean Peninsula, the Black Sea, Sea of Marmara and the Balkans to Venice.

The southern route went through Turkestan-Khorasan to Mesopotamia and Anatolia, Antioch in South Anatolia, on to the Mediterranean Sea or through the Levant to Egypt and North Africa.

The ancient Silk Road had its own glory in its time. Because, with this route that extends from Asia to Europe, civilizations on a number of continents can meet.

The existence of this pathway not only has a role in the economic sector, but also in other fields, such as culture, religion to science. (*)