Techniques of making silk were first invented in China around 7000 years ago. The silk was a highly valued fabric in most societies due to its glossy colours and smooth texture. Making silk is a complicated process as in present days too. Raw silk has to be extracted from the cocoons of silkworm, spun into thread and then woven into cloth.
Some people from China who went to distant lands on foot, horseback, and on camels carried silk with them. The paths they followed came to be known as the Silk Route.