Which empire was known for its vast trade networks across Central Asia?

The Mongol Empire is celebrated for its extensive and efficient trade networks that spanned across Central Asia during the 13th and 14th centuries. Under the rule of Genghis Khan and his descendants, the empire facilitated trade along the Silk Road, connecting the East and West like never before. This period saw the movement of goods, ideas, and cultures, resulting in significant economic and cultural exchanges. The Mongols implemented policies that protected merchants, established relay stations for quick communication, and maintained a semblance of peace known as the Pax Mongolica, which greatly enhanced trade routes. This network not only included traditional routes for silk and spices but also allowed for the exchange of technological and scientific knowledge, contributing to the spread of innovations across their vast territory.