Opinion/Editorial

By: Emily D, Staff Writer
 Is the Silk Road helping the Han Dynasty grow?

 

 

       The Silk Road is a trade route that was created during the ruling of the Han Dynasty to allow its merchants to trade with people from around the word. The route spread to the west from China all the way to imperial Rome, making it the longest trade route of the ancient world (http://www.wjcc.k12.va.us/djm/Ancient_Civilizations/china/contributions.htm).  It gets its name from the numerous silk exports from China that were in high demand from Rome. The Silk Road helped the Han Dynasty in many ways including allowing them to spread their culture and making it easier to get allies in times of deperate need. When unique goods from China were traded with other countries, their ideas and beliefs would influence other countries beliefs. "This ancient route not only circulated goods, but also exchanged the splendid cultures of China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greek and Rome"(http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/history/). All around the ancient world, many different cultures were able to spread and mix amongst the other civilizations from trading on the Silk Road. Countries that have never seen each other could share their ideas and goods that could influence laws and beliefs. The Silk Road helped The Han Dynasty by making it possible for its empire to share its religion and culture with civilizations around the world.

      Another way the Silk Road helped the Han Dynasty was by making it easier to find allies during times of need. Since the Han traded with neighboring empires it already had good relations with the people around them. Whenever there was a war or natural disaster there were always allies that would come to their aid when they needed it. "By this time, the Western Regions were overawed by the Han Empire; many states sent envoys to Chang'an along the Silk Road to pay tribute in succession"(http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/history/western-han.htm).  The Han Dynasty had many allies from trading, when there were invasions the other states stood by them until it was over. If it were not for the Silk Road the Han Dynasty would be cut off from the other empires and would not be able to prosper. The Silk Road benefited the Han Dynasty by allowing it to spread its culture and make allies easily.