Zhang Qian's mission to the West
An envoy survives captivity and opens China's road west
Emperor Wu sent Zhang Qian to seek allies against the Xiongnu. After years in captivity he reached Ferghana and Bactria and returned with knowledge of the western lands. His journey opened China's way west — the future Silk Road.
Wikipedia (Russian) · Wikipedia (English) · 2nd century BC
Meanwhile around the world (±25 years)
Africa
- 149 BC–146 BC Third Punic War — 11 years earlier
Alive at the time
- Emperor Wu of Han (aged 18)
- Sima Qian (aged 7)
- Zhang Qian (aged 26)