20. Describe how the Silk Road changed over time. (1 point)

The Silk Road evolved significantly over time, both in terms of its routes and the goods traded. Initially established during the Han Dynasty (around 130 BCE), it primarily facilitated the exchange of silk, spices, and other luxury goods between China and the Mediterranean. As empires rose and fell, the Silk Road's pathways shifted; new routes were established through Central Asia, the Middle East, and into Europe.

In later centuries, especially during the Tang and Yuan dynasties in China, trade expanded further, incorporating diverse goods like paper, ceramics, and even religions such as Buddhism and Islam. The arrival of maritime trade routes in the late medieval period, particularly with the growth of maritime powers, eventually diminished overland trade's prominence. This transformation reflected changing political landscapes, technological advancements, and the interconnectivity of cultures, leading to a dynamic and ever-evolving trade network.