The Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade routes are both extensive and connected to different regions of the world. They also facilitated the same goods such as silk, spices, gold, and other luxury items. The Silk Road used overland routes connecting diverse land-based cultures, while the Indian Ocean relied on sea routes linking coastal cities and islands. The major similarities between the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade route consisted of the spread of religions, the diverse groups of people, and the types of goods traded. The two main religions that were proselytized over these routes were Buddhism and Islam. Islam emerged around 610, but began being promoted as the trade routes flourished. A little of the diversity consisted of the Chinese,