絲綢之路是歷史上連接中國和地中海的一條重要貿易路線。因為這條路上的絲綢貿易占多數，故而在1877年被德國的一位杰出的地理學家命名為“絲綢之路”。同時，絲綢之路也是其他許多商品進行交易的主干線，也是傳播技術的一條主要通道。通過絲綢之路傳入中國的事物中意義最為重大的當屬佛教。中國的養蠶技術、生鐵鍛造技術和灌溉技術曾通過絲綢之路傳播到中亞、南亞和歐洲。
　　The Silk Route is an important international trade route between China and the Mediterranean in history. Since silk accounted for a large proportion of trade along this route, in 1877, it was named the Silk Route by an eminent German geographer. In the meantime, this route served as an artery of exchange for many other products, and more importantly, their technology. One of the most significant objects introduced to China via the Silk Route is Buddhism. Chinese techniques of silkworm breeding, iron smelting and irrigation spread to Central and Southern Asia and to Europe.
　　絲綢之路 the Silk Route
　　地中海 the Mediterranean
　　杰出的 eminent
　　地理學家 geographer
　　交易 exchange
　　主干線 artery
　　養蠶 silkworm breeding
　　生鐵鍛造 iron smelting
　　灌溉 irrigation