The production of silk originated in Neolithic period China, and although it would later reach other places in the world, the art of silk production remained confined to China until the Silk Road opened at some point during the latter part of the 1st millennium BC.
The Silk Road primarily refers to the land but also sea routes connecting East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe.
The Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in silk carried out along its length, beginning in the Han dynasty in China 
In the present day, trade takes place on the Silk Road on land and on the maritime branch.
In the present day, trade takes place on the Silk Road on land and on the maritime branch.Silk cultivation spread to Japan around 300 AD, and, by 552 AD, the Byzantine Empire managed to obtain silkworm eggs and were able to begin silkworm cultivation 
The Arabs also began to manufacture silk at the same time.
The Arabs also began to manufacture silk at the same time.In the 20th century, Japan and China regained their earlier dominant role in silk production, and China is now once again the world's largest producer of silk. Silk is now once again thought of as a luxury good, with a greatly reduced importance compared to its historical heyday.