Renaissance Trade & Trade Routes: The Silk RoadThe Renaissance period was a time of great expansion and exploration. Because Europeans were exploring and forging new alliances throughout the world, they were exposed to new ideas and inventions. Explorations in Asia through what became known as “The Silk Road” was the most successful and lucrative journeys. Explore the activities below to learn more about the Silk Road.

PART I: The Silk Road Route

1. Based

upon the map, what were the four most important trading centers on this region of the Silk Road? A) _________________________B) __________________________ C) _________________________ D) __________________________

2. In what city did the Spice Route and the Silk Route meet?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Through which Italian city did most goods from Asia enter Europe?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What goods reached Novgorod from the interior of Russia?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What city or group of traders controlled the routes in each of the following areas?a) The East Coast of Italy: _________________________________________________b) Black Sea: _______________________________________________________________c) English Channel: _______________________________________________________d) Baltic Sea: _______________________________________________________________e) West Coast of Italy: _____________________________________________________f) Red Sea: _________________________________________________________________

Use the map to the left to answer questions 6-8.

6. What are the three points from which the Silk Road originates?

a) __________________________b) __________________________c) __________________________

7. Do your best to count, how many different paths are there from Europe into the west?

8. How is the Silk Road like a highway? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Use the map below to answer questions 9-11.

9. Describe the topography (physical landscape) of the area through which the Silk Road passes.

10. How would you describe travel along the silk road? ________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Why would travellers risk travelling this route, in your opinion? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________