The Han sailboats succeeded in opening up a route to the Indian Ocean through the South Sea, marking the first oceanic route as well as the earliest marine trading route in the world.
Han Shu Record (also known as TheHistory of the Han Dynasty) kept the first complete vivid record on China's boats sailing into the Indian ocean from the South Sea via the Malacca Strait in Southeast Asian waters. Han ships would leave from Xuwen in South China's Guangdong Province, or Hepu in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and via the South Sea, would arrive in India and Sri Lanka-- a transfer station, where pearls, colored glazes, and other exotic things could be bought. Chinese silk was transported to Rome hereafter. Such was the marine Silk Road.
In his book Nature History, Gaius Plinius Secundus, a knowledgeable scientist in ancient Rome, recorded, "four sailors from (today's Sri Lanka) left for Rome (during the Caesar Era). According to one of the sailors named Rutgers, both Rome and Sri Lanka had direct trade relations with China."
In 166 of the Han Dynasty, the Roman Emperor sent envoys to China, presenting various such gifts as ivory and hawksbill turtles to the Imperialroyal Court, which marked the earliest friendly relations between China and European countries. A direct route from the East to the West was therefore opened up.
Author: Jessie
Email to Friends
Print
Save