Zhang+Qian+and+the+Beginnings+of+the+Silk+Road

**[[image:Screen Shot 2017-02-23 at 4.39.15 PM.png]]Zhang Qian**

 * His second century BCE travels throughout Central Asia opened trade networks that formed the early Silk Road **

Image to the left shows Zhang Qian, around 130 BCE, leaving for his expedition to Central Asia. Mural is from the Mogao Caves, 8th century CE


 * Brief Overview of this early Chinese explorer**

Zhang Qian Video Project

This map shows where Qian traveled, in blue, while the grey are places that he heard about on his travels.

Qian traveled westward enough to encounter people who were influenced by Greek culture due to Alexander the Great. In Qian’s records he notes a city Dayaun, which was a city established by Alexander, named Alexandria Eschate. Zhang Qian's travels and notes were recorded soon after his death in the [|Records of the Grand Historian] a comprehensive history of China from the [|Yellow Emperor] until the Han Empire.



The Silk Road
Without Zhang Qian's tremendous journey the silk road may not have been as important & influential as we know it today. His experience and knowledge he gained on his journey allowed China to be able to take part in trade and cultural exchange with groups that they previously had no exposure to.




 * Zhang Qian and the Silk Road**


 * Go to AP World History 2.3 for more on the Silk Road, Sea Routes of the Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road**

This [|website] has more information about the origins of the Han Empire and Chinese History.

A Lesson Plan for a group activity on the Silk Road can be found here. Potential Quiz Question Zhang Qian was a military diplomat for which Chinese Empire? A. Tang Dynasty B. Ming Dynasty D. Duck Dynasty
 * C. Han Dynasty**

**[[image:rotating gif.gif width="66" height="66"]]Other Pages in the //Explorers and Travelers in World History// series**

 * Ibn Battuta, 14th Century Muslim Explorer
 * Zheng He and the Chinese Treasure Fleets
 * Columbus, Magellan, Ponce de Leon