During Ancient Times, Did the Romans ever make contact with the Chinese?

Question

Were they even aware of the Superpower in Asia, or did they just identify China as the place with all the silk?

Answer 1

There is no historical proof that the Romans had ever made direct contact with China. The festival in North Central China where they celebrated the alleged presence of Roman Legion there is of recent creation, a means of attracting tourist, and based only on the ruins of a building depicting seemingly Roman Arch which until now no serious study was made to confirm the "Roman presense."

But Romans indeed enjoyed Chinese goods like silk, traded with outlying tribes or nations and not directly with China. There are several edicts issued by Roman and Byzantine emperors regulating the trade of silk because the trade was draining Roman coffers!

Not until 12th century (the Romans were no longer existing then) during the crusades did a Chinese Nestorian Christian monk stationed in Syria under the protection of Mongols travelled to Italy and France upon the invitation of these nation's religious leaders.

Answer 2

Well, I don't think so directly, although they did have trade for Chinese goods, in particular that I know of silk, but also spices, I think, via other nations in the Middle East. Of course, some of those nations were Roman colonies, so technically maybe, but not in the way you mean.

Everyone knew it was there, 'cause that was where stuff they wanted came from, but few, if any, Europeans went and came back; hence the surprise when Marco Polo did in the Middle Ages and many of his fantastic stories, later proven true, were disbelieved at first. I think his journey, there and back, including the time he lived there, lasted like 20 years.

During the time of the Roman Empire I think they were aware China was there, but it didn't figure in daily Empire life and there was obviously no diplomatic or political, (as in armies), contact.

P.S. At that time I think China was called Cathay, which is beautiful.

Answer 3

Yes. There are recorded instances of Romans visiting China. There are rumours that a Roman legion, captured in Asia were used as troops on the western borders of China. And silk was imported into Rome from China, and silkworms were smuggled into Rome in the 7th century.

Answer 4

of course the romans made contact with china...im sure if you search well u will find something on this subject.

Answer 5

yes... there have been some discoveries of roman soldiers came to china... better to check it with national geographic's website