Zhang Qian was a Chinese diplomat, explorer and politician of the Western Han dynasty who served Emperor Wu of Han as an envoy to the lands west of China in the late 2nd century BC. Born near Hanzhong in Shaanxi, he was sent in 138 BC with ninety-nine companions to seek an alliance with the Yuezhi against the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu captured him and held him for thirteen years, during which he married and had a son, before he escaped and reached Dayuan and the Yuezhi. His accounts, compiled by the historian Sima Qian, brought the Han court its first detailed knowledge of Central Asia, and his missions helped open the trade routes later called the Silk Road. He died around 114 BC and is honoured in China as a national hero.
Facts
Role
Role (category) RoleChinese diplomat and explorer, imperial envoy of the Western Han 1 Connections
In Era
Source Zhang Qian (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Zhang Qian (Wikipedia)
Lead, role description
was a Chinese diplomat, explorer, and politician who served as an imperial envoy to the world outside of China
Zhang Qian Missions
He was one of the first official diplomats to bring back valuable information about Central Asia
In Era: The Han Dynasty Period, Lead, Western Han service
during the Western Han dynasty
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