Summarize the importance of the Silk Road. How did it help disseminate ideas, as well as material objects? Discuss how the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, China exemplify the essence of the Silk Road.

What will be an ideal response?

The Silk Road was a network of trade routs, focused on transporting goods around Asia and into Europe. It had ancient roots, as goods such as silk, horses, spices, and jade made their way from Asia all the way to western Europe. In addition to material goods, ideas and cultural beliefs were spread along the routes. Buddhism was especially successful at this. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, China feature a Buddhist shrine that is a testament to this dissemination of religion and ideas.