What changes result from the diffusion of ideas and
goods along major trade routes?

In addition to new products, ideas and knowledge were exchanged. In this way, trade brought cultural changes to both East and West. One of the most important examples of cultural diffusion was the introduction of Buddhism to China. The silk road promoted the exchange of goods and ideas by allowing people a route to follow, where along the way they can trade goods. As goods were traded, so were ideas. These ideas were spread from person to person, along with the goods. In the end creating cultural diffusion. The Silk Road provided a network for the spread of the teachings of the Buddha, enabling Buddhism to become a world religion and to develop into a sophisticated and diverse system of belief and practice. Of the 18 Buddhist schools of interpretation, five existed along the Silk Road.