Kinberg, Nicholas Michael Chakmakian AP World History 17 July 2015 Chapter 12 Outline Cross-Cultural Exchanges on Silk Roads 139 BC, Chinese emperor Han Wudi sent envoy Zhang Qian towest of China Purpose was to find allies who could fight Xiongnu, menaced north/west of Han From captives, learned nomads in west hated Xiongnu, reasoned they might ally Problem was that to comm., had to pass thru lands ctrl'd. By nomads After Zhang Qian left Han, Xiongnu captured him 10 yrs., held him: allowed him to keep servant, provided him with wife, had son Suspicions subsided, Qian escaped with fam./servant Kept yak tail that Han Wudi gave him as sign of ambassadorial status Fled west/traveled to Bactria, didn't get allies