Read the paragraph and answer the questions that follow.

The Chinese exported silk, tea, porcelain pottery and paper to Japan, India, Egypt, Mesopotamia and even parts of Europe. They used both land and sea routes. Trade along the Silk Route was a significant factor in the development of the great civilisations of China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Indian subcontinent and Rome.

1. Which civilisations of the world did the Silk Route benefit?
2. Why do you think this trade route was called the Silk Route?

1. Trade along the Silk Route was a significant factor in the development of the great civilisations of China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Indian subcontinent and Rome.
2. The trade route was called the Silk Route primarily because silk was the most valuable and prominent commodity of export by the Chinese during the ancient period.