THE ROLE OF HOI AN TO THE MARITIME SILK ROAD (FROM THE FIRST HALF OF 16TH CENTURY TO THE SECOND HALF OF 18TH CENTURY)

The Maritime Silk Road is considered the beginning of all international maritime trade routes, not only in terms of trade; the Maritime Silk Road is also the foundation for human discoveries and understanding about geography, nature, politics and society of many parts of the world. Thanks to its significantly geopolitical and geo-cultural position; from a very early age, Hoi An trading port (Vietnam) has participated and played an important role on this arterial route. This article will focus on clarifying the birth as well as the role of Hoi An to the Maritime Silk Road from) early 16th century to the end of 18th century.