The Silk Route was a historic trade route that was used from the second century B.C. until the 14th century A.D. It stretched from Asia to the Mediterranean, traversing China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greece, and Italy.

It was called the Silk Route because of the silk trading that took place during that period. This luxurious fabric originated in China, which had a monopoly on its production until the secrets of its creation spread.