丝绸之路 (Sīchóu zhī lù), or the Silk Road, was an ancient trade network that connected the East and West. It facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between regions such as China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. The route was named for the lucrative silk trade that was prominent during its peak. The Silk Road was not a single road but a series of interconnected routes, including both overland and maritime paths. It played a crucial role in the development of civilizations and the spread of religions, such as Buddhism and Islam. The Silk Road's influence can still be seen today in global trade and cultural exchanges.