During the Han dynasty, the Silk Road was a vital trade network that facilitated the exchange of a variety of goods between China and other regions. The goods most commonly associated with trade along the Silk Road during this time included:
-
Silk: China was famous for its silk production, and silk was one of the most highly sought-after commodities exported from China.
-
Horses: The Han dynasty had an interest in importing horses from Central Asia, which were valuable for military and agricultural purposes.
-
Porcelain: While more commonly recognized as a major export in later periods, the early trade of porcelain also began during this time, although it was not as prominent as silk.
-
Spices: Various spices were imported from places like India and the Middle East, making them an important part of the trade.
Other goods mentioned, such as cotton, gold, and silver, were not as prominently traded as silk and horses during the Han dynasty. Cotton was not widely cultivated in China until later, while gold and silver were more often used as currency and not necessarily traded as commodities in the same way.
In summary, among the goods listed, silk and horses are the most likely to have been exported from and imported to China, respectively, along the Silk Road during the Han dynasty. Spices and porcelain also played roles in trade.