Water-based+routes+across+Indian+Ocean,+Persian+Gulf,+South+China+Sea,+Red,+and+Mediterranean+Seas

Strong Rulers Unite China

The Han Dynasty Strengthens China

**Silk Road Links China to the West** Wudi also opened a vast network of trade routes, which later was named the Silk Road, that linked China and the West for centuries. From western Asia, food such as figs, walnuts, grapes, and cucumbers flowed into China. Traders would return to China bringing muslim from India, furs from Central Asia, or glass from Rome. The Chinese also sent large amounts of silk westward to meet the demands for the pricey fabric. The Silk Road expanded for 4,000 miles, which linked China to the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East.

The Renaissance in Italy

Italy: Cradle of the Renaissance Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance for many reasons.

**Italy's History and Geography** Italy had been the center of the Roman empire; remains of that ancient culture were all around. Rome was also the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, an important sponsor of the arts. Furthermore, Italy’s location encouraged trade with markets on the Mediterranean, in Africa, and in Europe. Manufacturing, banking, and merchant networks grew to support trade. During the late Middle Ages, Italian merchants helped grow trade across Europe. Trade provided the wealth that fueled the Renaissance. Trade routes also brought new ideas that were vital in forming the Renaissance.