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?
Silk traders did not trust the sea captains because of pirates.
• The Silk Road's starting points were not along coastal areas.
O Sea routes were too dangerous to use for luxury goods.
Silk cloth was too hard to produce and could not fill up a ship.
The most likely reason why silk traders used land-based trade routes more than sea routes is because the Silk Road's starting points were not along coastal areas. The Silk Road, which was the most famous trade route during ancient times connecting China and the Mediterranean, stretched across land, passing through various regions such as Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As a result, merchants traveling along the Silk Road had to rely on land routes to transport their goods, including silk.
Additionally, sea routes during that time were indeed dangerous, with the presence of pirates, unpredictable weather conditions, and the lack of advanced navigation technology. This could have also discouraged silk traders from choosing sea routes to transport their luxury goods.
Lastly, the statement that silk cloth was too hard to produce and could not fill up a ship may not be a significant reason for using land-based trade routes over sea routes. Silk fabric is lightweight and compact, allowing a large quantity to be transported efficiently, regardless of the mode of transportation.