The occupation largely associated with the establishment of the Silk Road was that of merchants and traders. These individuals facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between the East and West. The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean, thrived from the 2nd century BCE through the 14th century CE. Merchants transported valuable commodities like silk, spices, and precious metals, fostering economic and cultural ties between diverse civilizations. Their journeys contributed significantly to the development of trade practices and cross-cultural interactions throughout history.