Throughout history, interaction between different regions was apparent and a big part of economic success. In the period between 200 CE and 600 CE, classical empires rose and stimulated trade along the Silk Road. The Silk Road was used for luxury items, which appeared in different forms in each region. Between 600 CE and 1450 CE, the rise of new religions and nomadic invasions transformed the Silk Road and its users. The Silk Road influenced every prviously existing and existing society known. Interactions among various regions allowed the Eastern Hemisphere’s regions to develop almost simultaneously with one another. </p>
During the classical era, one major cause of change in the silk road was the rise of classical empires. These empires were based on agriculture and surplus. When a surplus occurred, specialization rose. This led to people dedicating their life to trade and cultural interaction. China was known for its silk, porcelain and paper, which was in high demand slong the Silk Road. Rome traded oil, wine, wheat, and barley along the Silk Road. The Maurya and Gupta empires traded textiles, spices, and sugar to the middle east and china. The classical greek city states rose, and some, such as Athens, traded grapes, wine, and theatrical art along the silk road. With Christianity becoming the official religion of the Byzantine empire, missionaries spread along the silk road to inspire people to convert to the faith. When the classical empires fell and Islam rose, the silk road allowed it to diffuse to regions such as India and the Middle East. Christian, Islamic, and Buddhist missionaries traveled along the silk rode continuously. The Golden Age of Islam’s invention of itemized receipts and bills made trading easier and more common. </p>
Another major cause of change was the rise of the Mongols, a nomadic group descended from the Upper eurasian steppes. They stimulated trade along the silk road that was lessened due to the fragmentation of Western Europe and Chinese isolation. They improved the road and made it so safe that a merchant could go from one location to another without hiding his money. Because of the increased trade, religous and cultural diffusion increased alng the road. Trade cities such as Venice and Genoa rose and began basing their economy off of trade. The Mongols also caused the spread of the Bubonic plague when they increased Silk Road trade. The plague killed about one third of Europe and devastated many lives. However, it also led to a better economy because there was more available work. People could also demand higher wages due to the shortage of workers. All of the changes along the Silk Road caused by the Mongols were a direct result of improving the roads and relationships between merchants. </p>
One examply of continuity along the Silk Road is the spread of religious and cultural values. Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and many other beliefs never ceased to expand their missionary outreach to various parts of the world. Ancient Greek literature and text was obtained and translated by the Islamic Caliphates, and Christian Europe obtained these during the Crusades along the Silk Road. Hinduism was never a missionary religion due to its strict society and unequality, and never traveled alo the road. </p>
The Silk Road opened the door for interaction and diffusion among various and different cultures. World religions would not be as spread out as they are if not for the ease of spreading them along the Silk Road. The Silk Road not only allowed for the diffusion of ideas, but also disease. The Bubonic Plague is a perfect exmaple of how regional interaction can have devastating effects on a society. However, as horrible and the Black Death was, the Slk Road alowed for the advancement and development of numerous cultures around the world.</p>