Ancient trade routes were pathways used by merchants to exchange goods and services across different regions. These routes connected various civilizations, allowing for the movement of items like spices, silk, and precious metals. Notable routes included the Silk Road, which linked China to Europe, and the Incense Route, which facilitated trade in aromatic resins from the Arabian Peninsula. These trade routes not only enabled economic exchange but also promoted cultural interactions. As traders traveled, they shared ideas, technologies, and traditions, influencing societies along the way. The establishment of these routes played a crucial role in the development of early economies and the spread of knowledge.