The primary reason for the establishment of the Silk Road was to facilitate trade between the East and West, enabling the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Beginning in the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE, the Silk Road connected China to various regions, including Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Silk was the most famous export, but the trade network also included spices, precious metals, textiles, and other commodities. The Silk Road not only fostered economic ties but also helped in the dissemination of technologies and philosophies, embedding a deep cultural heritage that shaped civilizations along its path.