the continuing trade along the silk road, in spite of constant political turmoil both on the steppe and in agricultural regions, meant that the silk road had matured. it had gained a physical presence and infrastructure, with numerous large and small landmarks, and a deeply religious yet pluralist culture embracing travelers from all backgrounds and directions. its vitality depended on longer on the sponsorship of one or several imperial powers but now on market forces the supply and demand for trade goods in countries all across Eurasia.
opulent lifestyle