Zhang Qian And The Silk Road

Source Analysis Paper
History 1111
Mathew Myers

Descriptions of Western Regions is a ancient source written between 138B.C.E. and 125B.C.E, by Zhang Qian, giving descriptions of his encounters during his move around westward. Zhang Qian was a Chinese ambassador, who was sent westward to image affiliate for the Chinese Empire. They needed allies against the Xiongnu, who terrorized the Chinese. While on his journey, he was held captive for over ten years by the Xiongnu, and prove out much knowledge about them. Upon escaping, he move his journey and reported back to the Han Emperor all the information that he found about the different countries. Before complete his thirteen year journey, Zhang encountered a number of societies ranging from agriculturally advantaged to militaristic, some of which entangle Bactria, Ferghana, and Yue-Chi (Yuezhi). He used the information recorded about these places, for the profit of the Chinese. Zhangs travels and reports not only gave the Chinese the advantage of having a more knowledgeable and powerful dynasty against the Xiongnu, yet it also coat the way for the beginnings of the Silk Road.
The reason for Zhang Qians movement west to find allies was because of the Xiongnus threat to the Chinese.



With the Xiongnus enemy, the Yue-Chi, out of the picture, the Xiongnu raided and steal from the Chinese Empire. Needing help fighting the Xiongnu, Zhang Qian was initially sent to contact an alliance with the Yue-Chi (Yuezhi), where he ran into many different lands, people and customs, but upon reaching the Yue-Chi, they refused to form the alliance. The Yue-Chi people were happy with their peace, and rich and plentiful land. As Zhang began his journey home, he encountered more of these places that the Chinese knew cryptograph about, and kept record of it all. This document contains Zhang Qians recordings of his findings and discoveries during his travels. He in general pointed out the types of societies he come across, their location,...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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