Long before the Silk Road, silkworm cocoons already existed in Uzbekistan
The News
In 138 BC, Chinese envoy Zhang Qian was dispatched to the western regions by the Han dynasty. He failed to accomplish the emperor's goal of orchestrating a pincer attack against the Xiongnu confederation but accidentally discovered a new route. This route later played a significant role in the development of the Silk Road.
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The Analysis
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Analyzed
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Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the western regions in 138BC.
Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the western regions in 138BC.
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Key findings
Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the western regions in 138BC.
South China Morning Post- Zhang Qian discovered a route to the western regions.
- This route later connected China with Central Asia and beyond.
Plain English
Loaded language removedIn 138BC, Chinese diplomat and explorer Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the western regions. The Han dynasty envoy failed to achieve his emperor’s goal of launching a pincer attack against the Xiongnu nomadic confederation, but he unexpectedly discovered a route.
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Claims
Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the western regions in 138BC.
South China Morning PostZhang Qian was a Chinese diplomat and explorer for the Han dynasty.
South China Morning PostThe Han dynasty envoy failed to achieve the emperor's goal of launching a pincer attack against the Xiongnu nomadic confederation.
South China Morning PostZhang Qian unexpectedly discovered a route.
South China Morning Post