The overland network of trade routes through central Eurasia, known
as “silk routes,” is shown in red on the map at right. These land
routes had flourished since the Han dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD),
but in the 13th century the economic importance of sea travel began to grow. A large amount of global trade finally shifted from the
silk routes to faster and cheaper sea routes
during the 18th century. (The countries shown on the map are 19th-century political entities.)
[silk_routes.jpg]
The Silk Routes
of
Central Eurasia
