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Where Was the Silk Road?
The Silk Road was a group of ancient trade routes that connected China and Europe. The Silk Road flourished
primarily from 100 BC to AD 1500. The routes stretched across about 8,050 km of mountains and deserts in central
Asia and the Middle East between eastern China and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Silk Road got its name from the vast amount of Chinese silk carried along it. The cities along the Silk Road
provided food, water and rest, as well as goods for trade. Of these cities, Khotan (now Hotan, China) was famous
for its jade. The region of Fergana in present-day Uzbekistan was known for its powerful horses.
Camel caravans carried most goods across the dry, harsh regions along the Silk Road. By AD 800, traffic began to
decrease as traders started to travel by safer sea routes. A final period of heavy use occurred during the 13 th and 14th
centuries, when the Mongols ruled Central Asia and China.
1.
When was the Silk Road in use the most? _______________________________
2.
Why is it called “the Silk Road”? __________________________________________________
3.
What area of the route was well-known for its horses? _________________________________
4.
Conditions along the Silk Road were harsh. T/F
5.
Why did traffic along the Silk Road begin to decrease by 800 AD? ________________________________
_______________________________________________
Where Was the Silk Road?
The Silk Road was a group of ancient trade routes that connected China and Europe. The Silk Road flourished
primarily from 100 BC to AD 1500. The routes stretched across about 8,050 km of mountains and deserts in central
Asia and the Middle East between eastern China and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Silk Road got its name from the vast amount of Chinese silk carried along it. The cities along the Silk Road
provided food, water and rest, as well as goods for trade. Of these cities, Khotan (now Hotan, China) was famous
for its jade. The region of Fergana in present-day Uzbekistan was known for its powerful horses.
Camel caravans carried most goods across the dry, harsh regions along the Silk Road. By AD 800, traffic began to
decrease as traders started to travel by safer sea routes. A final period of heavy use occurred during the 13 th and 14th
centuries, when the Mongols ruled Central Asia and China.
1.
When was the Silk Road in use the most? _______________________________
2.
Why is it called “the Silk Road”? __________________________________________________
3.
What area of the route was well-known for its horses? _________________________________
4.
Conditions along the Silk Road were harsh. T/F
5.
Why did traffic along the Silk Road begin to decrease by 800 AD? ________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Reading Skills: Scanning
M. Gatto
September’07