ABSTRACT
In ancient times, when the world was thought to be flat and the oceans were not discovered, the only means of travel and communication was over the land. Knowl edge of the existence of exotic civilizations such as China, India, and Persia forced European explorers, businessmen, and conquerors (including Marco Polo and Alexander the Great) to reach Asian countries by a long road that extended from Europe to China and India. This road was called the “Silk Road” due to silks importance and commercial value for Europeans at that time. Silk, however, was not the only com modity that was exchanged on this road. The most important commodity for the future of mankind was the cultural exchange among the entirely different civilizations.
