In order to assess the validity of the name of something, one must first look at what the given definition in context to the name actually is. And so, before this essay begins, one must look at what the given definition of the term must include in order to assess the validity of its title. With a name such as the Silk Roads one must present an inclusive and broad definition that takes into account all of the routes, to begin, and then further the economies, markets, politics, religion, and even the people throughout these routes. The countries that are included in relation to this context must look at these factors implemented all throughout Central Asia, India, Africa, Europe, and even Rome. Though despite all of this, the term itself wasn`t actually coined until 1877 by geographer Ferdinand Von Ritchofen (1833-1905) though, it wasn`t until the twentieth century that it became widely used, especially in literature. Albert Herman had been the first to use it in a book title in 1910 which conseq
uently led it to be read and cited quite profoundly by the leader scholars at that time. This prevents being influenced by any political agenda and also analyses the concept that commerce in any one product, such as silk, did not exist in isolation but instead was formed as a result of the trade that also included other luxuries and commodities. Within the appropriate perspective, the word ‘Silk Roads’ is used to express the preoccupation of the rising nations’ east and west between India and China; however, historians later realized that if the invented phrase was to explore a solely descriptive term, one could argue that it would be fruitless. In a descriptive sense, the term utterly disregards the effectiveness of these trade routes and gives the appearance of something less spectacular rather than brilliant. Through examples and facts, this essay will evaluate the concept of ‘silk roads’ in the Middle Ages to substantiate the argument that it is in reality unhelpful and antiquated.