Hook (7 min)
Show students a modern smartphone. Ask: "How many countries were involved in making this?" Introduce the concept of a global supply chain, then rewind 2,000 years to the Silk Road.
Map Work (13 min)
Students trace the overland routes from Chang'an (Xi'an) to Constantinople and the maritime routes to Alexandria and East Africa. Label 5 key trading cities: Samarkand, Kashgar, Baghdad, Damascus, Venice.
Primary Source Analysis (18 min)
In groups of 3, students read excerpts from Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, and Xuanzang. Each group identifies: one traded good, one cultural exchange, one danger of travel. Report findings to the class.
Concept Application (15 min)
Compare the spread of Buddhism westward with the spread of Islam eastward. Discuss how ideas often followed the same routes as goods. Introduce "soft power" as a lens.
Debate & Closing (7 min)
Debate: "Did the Silk Road do more to unite or divide the ancient world?" Assign a one-paragraph reflection as homework.
