the first significant trade networks was the silk road.This started more than two thousand years ago.The road is not only an ancient international trade route, but also a splendid cultural bridge liking the cultures of China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greek and Rome.
The Silk Road consisted of several routes. As it extended westwards from the ancient commercial centers of China, the overland, intercontinental Silk Road divided into northern and southern routes bypassing the Taklimakan Desert and Lop Nur.
A lot of goods were traded along the silk road.european countries imported silk from china,along with porcelain.At that time,only China had the technology to make these goods.
silk road were china's most important exports.People also traded black pepper and ivory from india,gold from europe,and more.
the middle east was at the very center of the silk road.
Merchants in the part of the world gained huge profits and political power from the trade network.