<Dd> "Even the rest of the nations of the world which were not subject to the imperial sway were sensible of its grandeur, and looked with reverence to the Roman people, the great conqueror of nations . Thus even Scythians and Sarmatians sent envoys to seek the friendship of Rome . Nay, the Seres came likewise, and the Indians who dwelt beneath the vertical sun, bringing presents of precious stones and pearls and elephants, but thinking all of less moment than the vastness of the journey which they had undertaken, and which they said had occupied four years . In truth it needed but to look at their complexion to see that they were people of another world than ours ." ("Cathay and the way thither", Henry Yule). </Dd> <P> In 97 the Chinese general Ban Chao dispatched an envoy to Rome in the person of Gan Ying . </P> <P> Several Roman embassies to China followed from 166, and are officially recorded in Chinese historical chronicles . </P> <P> The Shiji reports that Zhang Qian returned from his final expedition to the Wusun in 115 BC . After his return he "was honoured with the post of grand messenger, making him among the nine highest ministers of the government . A year or so later he died ." </P>

Who played a key role in helping to find a sea route to asia