Final answer:
The western end of the Silk Road is Constantinople, which was a major terminus point in the trade network as the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The correct answer is option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city marking the western end of the Silk Road is Constantinople. As the capital of the Byzantine Empire, it was a crucial hub for trade between East and West, influencing the spread of culture, knowledge, and religion. The Silk Road was not a single route but a network of interconnecting trade paths that facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and cultural exchanges across regions, with merchant caravans making stops at various trade centers like Samarkand and Bactria.
Constantinople's pivotal role in trade was evidenced by the existence of specific guilds dedicated to managing eastern goods, indicating the city's integration into this extensive trading network. Sogdian traders played a significant role in developing trade links along these routes, introducing languages and cultural practices as they forged alliances with peoples encountered in the West.
In recognition of its historic importance, Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, continues to be celebrated as a key city in the Silk Road's history. Therefore, the correct option for the western end of the Silk Road is D. Constantinople.