The ancient long-distance, overland trade route connecting China to West Asia, and on to Europe and the Mediterranean region was known as the "Silk Road" and was responsible for a large amount of cultural diffusion.
It was fought by an alliance of Britain<span>, </span>France<span>, </span>Turkey<span> and Sardinia against </span>Russia<span>. It broke out in October 1853 – although </span>Britain<span> and </span>France<span> only became involved in 1854 – and ended in February 1856</span>
