Even before Han's expansion into Central Asia, diplomat Zhang Qian's travels from 139 to 125 BC had established Chinese contacts with many surrounding civilizations. Zhang encountered Dayuan (Fergana), Kangju (Sogdiana), and Daxia (Bactria, formerly the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom); he also gathered information on Shendu (Indus River valley of North India) and Anxi (the Parthian Empire). All of these countries eventually received Han embassies. These connections marked the beginning of the Silk Road trade network that extended to the Roman Empire, bringing Han items like silk to Rome and Roman goods such as glasswares to China. COUNT 5
QSN1 What type of Roman item was traded on the Silk Road network? ANS1 glasswares QSN2 Which diplomat helped gather information on the country of Anxi? ANS2 Zhang Qian QSN3 When did Zhang Qian end his travels? ANS3 125 BC QSN4 Which network was used to exchange goods with Rome? ANS4 Silk Road QSN5 What empire had established an embassy in Anxi? ANS5 Han