Which Han ruler commissioned Zhang Qian’s famous diplomatic mission toward Central Asia?

Emperor Wu of Han commissioned Zhang Qian’s famous diplomatic mission toward Central Asia. Around 138 BCE, he sent Zhang west to contact the Yuezhi and explore a possible alliance against the Xiongnu.

The mission became one of the best-known episodes in the early history of Eurasian exchange. Zhang was captured by the Xiongnu and held for about a decade, but he eventually escaped and continued his journey. His reports introduced the Han court to powerful states and valuable products farther west.

Emperor Wu used this information to strengthen Han control of the Gansu Corridor and to seek the so-called Heavenly Horses associated with Ferghana. Military expansion and diplomacy increased movement of people, animals, technologies, and luxury goods across Central Asia.

The mission did not establish a formal institution called the Silk Road. That modern label covers many routes that developed gradually through repeated political, commercial, and religious contacts.