"Most China Rome contact" Topic

Which period of Roman history featured the most contact and exchange between China and Rome?

Other than trade caravans and a few adventurers, there was no direct contact until the middle of the second century A.D. when ambassadors were sent. Silk was highly valued by the Romans.

There is the story of some Romans who having been captured in a battle with the Parthians and then being used as garrisons in the eastern part of their empire, later ending up in Chinese service. This has not been verified, though DNA tests might determine if this were so.

This site has several articles about the relationship between Rome and China
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One of the articles mentions a Chinese ambassador being sent to make contact with Rome earlier than the above, but upon arriving in Mesopotamia, being lied to that it would take another two years to reach Rome. At which point he turned back.

I think Late Republic and Early Empire, from first century BC. to early third century AD.

This is a period when Rome controlled directelly the whole Mediterranean basin, Parthia extended through a good portion of West and Central Asia, and Han dinasty ruled China and extended its power to the Tarim basin westwards. Commerce was possible along Central Asia and the south oceanic routes through India. At the beginning of third century AD things changed: crisis and unstability in both Rome and China, along with changes in the commerce route (Sassanians, Huns, Turks…).

Commerce and exchange continued, but to different extent.

Never direct contact, of course.

Isn't there a story out there about some of the survivors of Crassus' army after Carrhae being sent as prisoners to the Far East?

According to reputable historians such as Michael Woods, direct contact was almost certainly nonexistent.

The thing with the Silk Road is that nobody went from one end to the other! Goods that reached Roman territory from China had passed through the hands of many traders along the way.

There are plenty of stories about direct contact, but very little in the way of actual evidence!

Just to add to the discussion, there is this…….

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