Silk Roads

The expansion of universal religions occurred in parallel with the establishment of vast networks of exchange between continents. In Asia in the 7th century, China became the main actor in these exchanges and a major hub for innovation. The invention of porcelain, gunpowder, paper and printing characters were to change the world. China passed most of its inventions to the Arab-Muslim world along the land and sea routes used in the silk trade. The Islamic civilization lay at the heart of this thriving trade network linking Asia, Europe and Africa. From the 8th to 10th century, Baghdad witnessed a golden age of the arts and sciences. The caravan routes taken by merchants crossed the paths followed by pilgrims, and promoted the spread of new modes of thought. These exchanges boosted the circulation of exotic materials and luxury items like silk, ceramics, jewelry, incense or ivory.