Rome wasn't the only empire in the ancient world, nor was it the biggest. The monarchs of the far East were busy spreading their influence across their part of the world, even while Rome fought its wars over land 5,000 miles away.  For many centuries before it became known as China, this part of the world was controlled by dynasties--families of rulers who passed power along to relatives until other dynasties defeated them.

Roman legions did try to move into the region where these dynasties ruled, but they were not able to conquer the people there. Instead, they discovered silk, which fascinated them, and they set up a trade route called the Silk Road. Roman trade with the Han Dynasty led to an exchange of ideas, goods, and technology that would not only enrich both cultures, but would bring many people of the world closer together.

Scary Silk

When Romans first saw one of their enemies unfurl huge, silk banners on the battlefield, they ran in fear. They had never seen such a strange, transparent fabric before, and they soon became fascinated by it. The demand for silk in Rome would contribute to one of the most important cultural exchanges in history-- the Silk Road.

The Han Dynasty

While the Romans had complete control over the western part of the world, the Han Dynasty in China ruled the East. The Han Dynasty was a remarkable civilization that boasted technology and innovations that the Romans could only dream of. From the Chinese point of view, Roman creations were also exotic and highly desirable.

Communities on the Silk Road

The Silk Road was less one giant highway and more a series of villages and settlements along several routes between China and Europe. Merchants relayed goods between distant communities, and it was these communities that truly made up the Silk Road. Of course, much more than silk was carried over the 5,000-mile distance between East and West.

Caravans of Culture

The cultural exchange that occurred along the Silk Road lasted nearly 1,000 years, and spread religion, philosophy, and technology throughout the ancient world. The Silk Road helped bring writing to China, while Islam and Buddhism came to the West.