The actual discovery of Silk, from the silkworm species happened around 2700 BC. According to Chinese tradition, Silk discovered as a weavable fiber is credited to Lady Xi Ling Shi, a 14 year old bride of the Emperor Huang Ti, so called “Yellow Emperor”. It has been told that, one day in 2640 BC, Lady Xi Ling Shi was sitting under a Mulberry tree drinking a cup of tee. A Silk cocoon fell from the Mulberry tree into her cup. She noticed the delicate fibers start to unravel in the hot liquid. Lady Xi Ling Shi has been credited as the first person to ‘reel’ or unravel a Silk cocoon and use the filament to create a yarn for weaving. Whether or not the legend holds true, it is certain that references to Silk production place its origin in China. For nearly 300 years the Chinese had a global monopoly on Silk production. They realized a value in the beautiful material they were producing and kept its secret safe from the rest of the world for more than 3 centuries. Travelers were searched thoroughly at border crossing and anyone caught trying to smuggle eggs, cocoons or silkworms out of the country were executed. Silk became a very valuable commodity and was sought after by many other countries. But it wasn't until 139 BC that the world's longest trade route was opened from China to The Mediterranean Sea. This route was named the ‘Silk Road’ for obvious reasons. By 300 AD the production of silk had also reached India and Japan.