Its amazing that people who all spoke different languages and had different custom and beliefs were able to work out such a large scale trading network so long ago.  A feat like that is difficult nowadays, when we can communicate instantly and translate languages.  The Silk Road was way ahead of its time, and because of that, it helped to fill the technological gaps in many civilizations.  Since this was the first major way to spread ideas across a large distance, it used lots of changes.  China got new crop varieties.  Mesopotamia got african ivory, and indian spices.  Buddhism spread throughout southern Asia.  Sailing advanced significantly, because of the increased trading demand.  Everyone was blessed with the invention of the stirrup, which makes horseback riding much easier and more comfortable.  The silk road was a major advancement technologically and socially for the world.