Suppose you developed a map with trade routes similar to the map shown. Why did silk traders use land-based trade routes more than sea routes?

(1 point)

1. Sea routes were too dangerous to use for luxury goods.

2. Silk cloth was too hard to produce and could not fill up a ship.

3. The Silk Road's starting points were not along coastal areas.

4. Silk traders did not trust the sea captains because of pirates.

3. The Silk Road's starting points were not along coastal areas.

4. Silk traders did not trust the sea captains because of pirates.

The correct answer is 3. The Silk Road's starting points were not along coastal areas.

To determine why silk traders used land-based trade routes more than sea routes, we should evaluate the options and determine the most reasonable answer.

Option 1 states that sea routes were too dangerous to be used for luxury goods. To verify this statement, we could research historical sources describing the dangers that traders faced when using sea routes. This could involve reading books, articles, or primary sources from that period.

Option 2 suggests that silk cloth was too difficult to produce and could not fill up a ship. To assess the validity of this statement, we can examine historical evidence on silk production and trade. We might look into the quantity of silk produced, the demand for silk at that time, and the capacity of ships for transporting goods.

Option 3 implies that the starting points of the Silk Road were not located along coastal areas. To confirm this claim, we can study the historical geography of the Silk Road and identify its main hubs and routes. This could involve looking at maps, historical accounts, or archaeological studies.

Option 4 proposes that silk traders did not trust sea captains due to the threat of piracy. To ascertain the credibility of this statement, we can explore historical records that document piracy during the time period in question. This might include examining accounts of pirate attacks, trade disruptions caused by pirates, or any specific incidents related to silk trading.

By conducting research and analyzing historical sources, we can gather the necessary information to determine which option is the most accurate explanation for why silk traders used land-based trade routes more than sea routes.