Chapter 12:
Cross-Cultural Exchange on the Silk Roads
Chapter 12 Reading Questions:
1.
What developments in the classical era helped reduce the risks inherent in long-distance
trade? The classical era helped reduce the risks inherent in long-distance trade, since trade passing
between societies was therefore liable to interception by bandits or pirates. Construction of roads and
bridges decreased the risk in addition to the expansion of empires to create closer borders.
2. How did the trade networks of the Hellenistic era help set the stage for the silk roads? By
controlling land routes linking Bactria, which offered access to Indian markets, to Mediterranean
ports in Syria and Palestine. They maintained land routes from south Egypt to the kingdom of Nubia
and Meroe in east Africa, also by ousted pirates from sea lanes linking the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea
and the Indian Ocean. They also built several ports, the most important being Bernice on the Red
Sea.
3. In general, what goods from what regions were traded along the silk roads? The fine spices-
cloves, nutmeg, mace, and cardamon came from southeast Asia and traveled west. Ginger came from
China and southeast Asia, pepper from India, and sesame oil from India, Arabia, and southeast Asia.
Central Asia produced large, strong horses and high-quality jade. The Roman Empire came
glassware, jewelry, works of art, decorative items, perfumes, bronze goods, wool and linen textiles,
pottery, iron tools, olive oil, wine, and gold and silver bullion.
4.
How did Buddhism become the most popular faith in all of East Asia? Buddhism was first
present in oasis towns of central Asia along the silk road. Then it further spread to steppe lands.
Then foreign Buddhist merchants spread into China. The faith was accepted when the value of
Confucianism decreased. There was also popularity in monasteries.
5. How did the silk roads facilitate the spread of Hinduism and Christianity? Missionaries for
Christianity traveled the silk road. Christian communities flourished in the Mediterranean. There
were first sizeable Christian communities in Mesopotamia in Iran which soon spread to southwest
Asia.
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6. Why is the rise of Manichaeism such a good example of the relationship between long-
distance trade and the spread of religion? Manichaeism appealed to the merchants. The first
converts came from Mesopotamia and the eastern Mediterranean region. This religion appeared in all
large cities but many followers were persecuted.
7. What were the long-term effects of the spread of disease along the silk roads? The spread of
diseases along the silk roads consisted of measles, small pox, and bubonic plague. It aided in the
destruction of the Han and Roman empires and a massive population decrease ultimately resulting in
temporary lack of productivity on the silk road.
8. How did China’s culture change after the decline of the Han dynasty? There was gradual
sinicization of the nomadic people. The importance of the Confucian doctrine greatly decreased, and
nomadic rulers supported Buddhism therefore making the religion gain popularity.
9. What were some of the main causes of the decay and fall of the western Roman empire?
Some of the main causes of the decay an fall of the western Roman Empire are internal struggles,
Germanic invasion, and fall of western from Huns.
10.
How did Europe’s culture change during the late Roman empire? Christianity was the
most prominent survivor of the collapse. Christianity served as a cultural foundation. The Germanic
people adapted Roman law to their own needs creating a mingling of Roman and Germanic
traditions (Medieval Europe).
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