How were the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean used to link the West to the East?

The Silk Road was
the name given to a number of various routes which traversed the countries between the East and
West, quite often via the Indian Ocean. The purpose of these routes was to facilitate trade
between the East and the West and allow traders to transport and sell their wares in the most
efficient manner. These routes have existed since the time of ancient civilisations: for
example, the Chinese developed silk production around 2700 BC and began to export it to the
Romans shortly after. 

Interestingly, the name 'Silk Road' was only invented
in the 19th century - contemporary traders did not use any particular names for the trade routes
they used. This name was invented by a German geologist called Baron Ferdinand Von
Richthofen.