Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More Ancient Rome and the Ancient Chinese
Jul 9, 2020
Did the ancient Han Empire in China and the Roman Empire in Europe have any awareness of each other? Limited knowledge due to geographical distance and the Parthian Empire. Ancient Chinese had generic understanding of Rome. Romans had limited knowledge of China and focused on trade relations. Limited interactions between the two empires including a Roman delegation to China and a lost Roman legion.
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Limited Knowledge Between Empires
- The Han Empire and Roman Empire knew of each other mainly through vague rumors and second-hand stories.
- Direct contact was rare due to great distance and the Parthian Empire's control of trade routes.
Chinese View of Rome
- The Chinese called Rome "Da Quinn," possibly equating it with their own Qin Dynasty.
- Their knowledge of Rome was vague and sometimes outdated, describing political systems no longer existing.
Roman View of China
- Romans called China "syruka," derived from silk, showing their main interest was Chinese silk.
- They had little cultural understanding and believed silk came from trees, showing geographic ignorance.