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Ban Chao (32–102 CE) was a distinguished statesman, general, and diplomat of the Eastern Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Zhongsheng, and he was a native of Anling, Fufeng Commandery (in present-day northeastern Xianyang, Shaanxi). He is widely recognized as one of the key figures in reopening and securing the Silk Road during the…
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Brief: This article honors Zhang Qian, the Silk Road pioneer. Sent by Emperor Wu to ally with the Yuezhi against the Xiongnu, he endured 13 years of captivity and hardship. Though he failed to form the alliance, his explorations opened Central Asia to China, laying the groundwork for the legendary Silk Road.