The origin of silk weaving is ancient and clouded in legend. The industry undoubtedly began in China where, according to record, it existed from sometime before the middle of the 3rd Century BC. For centuries the Chinese zealously guarded the source and methods of production of silk but by the first Millennium BC they began trading silk abroad. Within a few centuries caravans carried silk to India, Turkistan and Persia. Around 140BC sericulture and silk weaving spread overland from China to India... however, silk remained a secret of Asia. undoubtedly began in China where, according to record, it existed from sometime before the middle of the 3rd Century BC. For centuries the Chinese zealously gu.