The purpose of the ancient Silk Road was to facilitate trade and cultural exchange between the East and the West. Established during the Han Dynasty, it connected regions like China, India, Persia, and the Mediterranean. Through this extensive network of routes, goods such as silk, spices, and precious stones were transported, while ideas, technologies, and religions like Buddhism spread. The Silk Road played a significant role in shaping civilizations by promoting interaction and mutual influence among diverse cultures.