Question

The Roman Empire fell around the 5th century, and as Islam spread in the 7th century, trade between Europe and China slowed. Chinese traders were blocked from westward expansion into Europe when the Chinese army was defeated by Muslim fighters in the area known as Syr Darya. The trade routes, known as the Silk Road, fell into disuse, and trade between the Far East and Europe nearly stopped. It wasn't until the 13th century when the Mongols invaded and controlled central Asia and large parts of the Middle East that extensive trade along these routes was opened again. Based upon the paragraph above and your knowledge of the Mongols, which of the following statements is correct? A.

The Mongols unified regions along the Silk Road, allowing for safe transport of goods.
B.
Muslims controlled busy trade routes into China from the 5th to the 7th centuries.
C.
Without access to European markets, the Chinese were unable to obtain raw materials.
D.
The Mongols replaced the Roman Empire as the dominant force in Western Europe.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - A. The Mongols unified regions along the Silk Road, allowing for safe transport of goods.

The Mongols, though often portrayed as brutal and barbarians, were actually the ones that did the opposite of what was expected from them. After conquering the territories through which the Silk Road was going, they put in a big effort to make it as secure as possible, to a degree where some European traders wrote that you can go on foot from one end to another on the Silk Road and you will not be robbed or should fear for the safety. The Mongols managed to reestablish the Silk Road and even improve, thus making the trade between Europe and the Far East flourish until they were in charge.