Who was Zhang Qian?
Who was Zhang Qian?
Zhang Qian was born in Chenggu (the present Chenggu County of Shaanxi Province) of Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD). He was an outstanding envoy and explorer in Chinese history, opening up the ancient Silk Road and bringing reliable information about the Western Regions.
What did Zhang Qian do on the Silk Road?
In the year 119 BC, Emperor Wudi commanded Zhang Qian to search another of Xiongnu’s enemy, a country named Wusun, and to try to persuade other regimes along the Silk Road to ally with Han Empire, or at least not to support Xiongnu.
How did Zhang Qian reach Wusun?
At that time, the Huns had been expelled from the Hexi Corridor, so Zhang Qian reached Wusun easily. Then he sent other envoys to Dawan, Kangju, Da Yuezhi, Anxi (Parthia, in now Iran), Juandu (present India), Yutian (Hetian) and other countries. In 115 BC, the king of Wusun put an interpreter and a guide at Zhang’s disposal.
How did Zhang Qian reach Qangly and dayueshi?
The king of Dayuan received Zhang Qian and asked him to look around their Ferghana horse. With the help of the king, Zhang arrived at Qangly (current Syr Darya Area) and Dayueshi (current Amu Darya Area) successively. However, people in Dayueshi enjoyed their life in Amu Darya Area and they didn’t want any war.
How did Emperor Wudi feel about Zhang Qian’s actions?
Emperor Wudi was very happy with Zhang Qian’s loyalty and achievements. Soon, Zhang Qian was assigned many military tasks, to assist marshal Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. Because of his knowledge and contribution to the battlefields, Zhang Qian was awarded a noble title as well.
Where did Zhang Qian go in 128 BC?
Zhang Qian made an on-the-spot investigation in Daxia (Balkh) and other countries for more than one year. In 128 BC, He decided to return to Chang’an (the ancient name of Xi’an).
