2. Which of the following contributed the most to the completion of the overland Silk Routes?

a - The growth of powerful empires in Europe and Asia
b - Trade between small, neighboring tribes
c - China's hinger for foreign goods
d - Competition from maritime Silk Routes

And you think it's … ?

To determine which of the options contributed the most to the completion of the overland Silk Routes, we can analyze each option and examine their impact.

a - The growth of powerful empires in Europe and Asia: This option suggests that the expansion of powerful empires influenced the completion of the Silk Routes. Empires often facilitated trade and allowed for the establishment of trade networks. While the growth of powerful empires could have potentially contributed to the Silk Routes, it is important to note that their impact on the completion of the overland Silk Routes is just one aspect to consider.

b - Trade between small, neighboring tribes: This option implies that the trade between small, neighboring tribes played a significant role in the completion of the Silk Routes. Trade between tribes is essential in the formation of trade routes, as it establishes the initial connections and networks that lead to the expansion of trade routes. However, while the trade between small tribes can be seen as a starting point, it might not have been the primary factor in the completion of the overland Silk Routes.

c - China's hunger for foreign goods: This option suggests that China's demand for foreign goods played a crucial role in the completion of the Silk Routes. China's desire for luxury goods, such as silk, created a demand that encouraged trade and the establishment of overland routes. However, while China's hunger for foreign goods was undoubtedly an essential factor, it alone might not have been enough to complete the Silk Routes.

d - Competition from maritime Silk Routes: This option indicates that competition with maritime Silk Routes influenced the completion of the overland Silk Routes. The emergence of maritime trade routes provided an alternative means of transportation and trade, which could have potentially affected the overland Silk Routes. The competition between the two routes might have led to efforts to improve and complete the overland Silk Routes.

Considering these options, one could argue that the growth of powerful empires in Europe and Asia, trade between small tribes, and China's hunger for foreign goods all played a role in the completion of the overland Silk Routes. However, the option that most directly addresses the completion of the overland Silk Routes is option d - competition from maritime Silk Routes. The competition between the overland and maritime routes likely spurred efforts to improve and complete the overland Silk Routes.

Therefore, option d - competition from maritime Silk Routes - is the answer that contributed the most to the completion of the overland Silk Routes.