The Silk Road's Closure: How It Changed World Trade The Silk Road continued in popular use until the Byzantine Empire fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 CE who promptly closed off the Silk Road and cut all ties to the West. By closing the Silk Road, merchants were forced to take their trade to the sea which initiated the Age of Discovery which prompted global communication and worldwide interaction. The closure of the Silk Road made it necessary to explore beyond their known world which led to the European discovery of the Americas #silkroad #byzantine #ottoman #europe