The Silk Road, a series of passages that connected China to the Mediterranean, completely changed the world. This series of trade routes allowed for the advancement of technology and cultural diversity like never before seen. These routes connected many different civilizations allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas. This variety of nationalities has made it a "cultural bridge between Asia and Europe". Before these routes were established, trade was nearly impossible due to the extreme desert conditions and high mountain peaks. Many people died on the journey, even after trade routes were established. So why make the trip? What impact did the Silk Road have on history? The Chinese were the first to produce silk from silkworms. This was something the West wanted very much. The Romans even called it the "land where silk comes from". The Romans tried to find out where this wonderful material came from. According to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, the first contact between China and the West is thought to have occurred around 200 BC. Many types of goods were exchanged along this road. China had things like silk, bamboo manufacturing, and Chinese lacquerware. The West had many new fruits, vegetables, spices, gold, and medicinal materials that China desired. So this was a mutually beneficial trade route. As mentioned above, much more than just material things such as ideals, beliefs, and technology were exchanged along this road. There were 3 different routes on the Silk Road covering many different countries and civilizations. This cultural diversity was bound to start mixing with so many different people and beliefs mixing every day. They exchanged music, art, architecture and as people settled along the way different cultures...... middle of paper ......and. "China's Silk Road: route, history, map, photos, tour tips." Accessed March 14, 2014. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/.China Travel Agency, 24/7 small group and private tour service. "Cultural Exchange on the Silk Road : Religion and technology introduced to China through the road". Accessed March 14, 2014. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/culture.htm.Ancient China for Kids. "The Silk Road." Accessed March 14, 2014. http://china.mrdonn.org/silkroad.html.Earth System Science | Contribute to a fundamental scientific understanding of the Earth as a coupled system, through research and teaching. "The Silk Road." Accessed March 14, 2014. http://www.ess.uci.edu/~oliver/silk.html.China Travel Agency, 24/7 small group and private tour service. "Trade Routes of the Chinese Silk Road with map." Accessed March 14, 2014. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/route.htm.