The Silk route was dominated by the Muslims in the Middle East, which often led in the clash and unrest between the two religion (Christians and Muslims). The increasing rates of the goods brought from Asia through land route (Silk route) became expensive. To solve this problem a new route was to be found. Therefore, the age of exploration began in Europe. Vasco da Gama found his way to India and later for the Far East in the 15th century dealt a blow to the Silk Route.
The speed of the sea transportation, the possibility to carry more goods, relative cheapness of transportation resulted in the decline of the Silk Road in the end of the 15th century. ... During the civil war in China the destroyed Silk Road once again played its big role in the history of China.
