Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s1.6

v2.c13.s1.6

Since a large amount of silk and silk fabrics were transported to the west constantly, the ancient Romans called China “Seres” meaning “country of silk” in Latin. At the same time, the “exotic foreign treasures” of the western regions were introduced into China. From the 1ˢᵗ century CE, due to political volatility, contacts between the western regions and the Han dynasty were temporarily interrupted many times, but the trade still continued. During the period of Ban Chao’s governorship of the western regions, he sent Gan Ying to Daqin (Roman Empire) and Ditiaozhi (present-day Iraq). His journey ended on reaching the sea, which was the farthest appoint west along the Silk Road reached by the Chinese officials.