Silk Road — Historical Significance

Determining whether anything has historical significance, you must analyze how it has effected the world, either positively or negatively. According to The Historical Thinking Project, “Significant events include those that resulted in great change over long periods of time for large numbers of people.” We see WWII and 9/11 as prime examples of historical significant events because they were large-scale, involving lots of people and set into motion lots of new ideas and concepts. For example, over 70 million people were killed in WWII and so many people were personally affected by it. 9/11 had roughly 3,000 casualties, but the event caused increased airport security and restrictions that are enforced all over the world. But it also depends on perspective. Someone or something that I personally consider historically significant may not be to someone else, and vice versa.

Relating that to the Silk Road, historical significance does apply. Not in the sense that people died, but in the way that it was being used for over 1500 years and involved many countries across Asia and Europe. This road allowed for the spread of ideas, knowledge, goods, and Buddhism. All of which were important in getting us to where we are today. Some of which, like Buddhism was not known in other areas, and silk which was not obtainable otherwise. This massive trade route further developed relationships and solidified the necessity of trade amongst different societies. The fact that we still study it heavily and uncover new evidence hundreds of years later could suggest its significance.