Silk Road In Western Europe

Throughout the period 200 BCE to 1450 CE, the Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes connecting the Western and Eastern Empires that were central to cultural diffusion through areas of the Asian continent. The Silk Road played an extremely important role in the growth of trade and the exchanging of culture, language, ideas, and religion. During this time period in Western Europe many changes took place, however the main purpose of the Silk Road stayed intact. In 200 BCE, Western Europe relied heavily on trade with Chinese merchants which supported the growth of both cultures. Over time, Western Europe and Asia became increasingly infatuated with the new luxuries exposed to them through the Silk Road, resulting in the shaping of each culture. Before ideas spread along
The need for luxury items stayed the same with the Silk Road because citizens differentiated themselves based on the items that they possessed. Therefore, when the idea of new luxury items came in position, citizens who were seeking to be viewed as the “upper class” significantly increased their desire for these items all the while still having the same effect on society. The lower class made the items, while the upper class acquired them bringing about the same concept of an upper wealthy class and a lower working class. In total, the Silk Road changed many portions of society, such as religion and the social hierarchy, but it also kept some portions of society the same including the need for luxury items. Although cultural diffusion occurred throughout the Silk Road, affecting many different regions, the main purpose stayed the same throughout the time period 200 BCE to 1450 CE. The Silk Road played an important role in the way society, government, and religion were established and some of the aspects practiced back then are still practiced in modern times