“Merchants were the most important factor in connecting east and west along the Silk Road.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that merchants were the most important factor in connecting east and west along the Silk Road. There may be explanation of the role of caravanserais and the mutual demand for valuable commodities. Candidates may refer to the role of Islamic merchants in spreading their faith into Inner Asia; they may also refer to the booming trade links under the Mongols and, later, Timur. Silk was available in Italy in the mid-13th century, while Samarkand, under Timur, became a major centre of international commerce. Candidates may discuss increased understanding of the east in the west, mentioning, for example, Pegolotti’s handbook (1340), and the Polos. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the roles of missionaries, diplomats, pilgrims and intellectuals, but with a focus on the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.