Already in use before our common era and thriving until the opening of the sea route to India at the end of the 15th century C.E., this trade - road network, part of which passed through what is now Uzbekistan, had a central place in world commerce.
See kaubateede võrgustik, millest osa kulges läbi praeguse Usbekistani alade, oli kasutusel juba enne meie ajaarvamist ja etendas kaubandusmaailmas keskset rolli kuni 15. sajandi lõpuni, kui avastati meretee Indiasse.