Lecture Notes: Relationship between Ancient Rome and China

Introduction

• Focus on analyzing an ancient Chinese historian's account of the Roman Empire.
• Based on a text by Yu Quan, a prominent Chinese official.
• Text titled "A Brief Account of Wei," part of a 50-volume work.
• The chapter of interest is "Peoples of the West," specifically about Da Qin (Rome).

Historical Context

• Who: Yu Quan, Chinese historian.
• What: Text regarding lands beyond China, especially Rome.
• Where: Wei Dynasty, China.
• When: Around 250 AD; mentions Roman merchants in 226 AD.
• Why: To legitimize the Wei Kingdom post-Han Dynasty.

Description of Ancient Rome (Da Qin)

Geography and Journey

• Rome is west of Anxi and Jushi.
• Describes maritime travel and overland routes via the Silk Road.
• Timings for travel are speculative and often exaggerated.

Assessment of Rome's Description

• Mentions 400 cities in Rome, underestimating the actual scale.
• Describes Rome's administrative and political structure.
• Errors noted in descriptions of governance, cultural practices, and architecture.

Political Structure

• Incorrect view of Roman leadership – mentions changing kings due to disasters.
• Inaccurate description of the Senate as 36 leaders.

Cultural and Economic Aspects

• Lists various plants, animals, and products, some inaccurately placed.
• Silkworms mentioned, though silkworm farming was not common in Rome.
• Some descriptions of Roman entertainment and literacy.

Trade and Dependencies

• Mentions trade routes, products, and Roman dependencies.
• Details are vague but touch on real Roman economic activities.

Conclusion

• The text provides a mix of accurate and inaccurate details about Rome.
• Highlights the importance of cross-cultural exchanges and ancient global networks.
• Encourages understanding of how ancient views were shaped by limited information.

Resources

• Recommended video: "Voices from the Past" for a more immersive understanding.
• Acknowledgment: Translation by Johnny Hill.