Antoninus Pius

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Contacts with China

The Hou Hanshu (History of the Later Han Chinese dynasty) recounted the first of several Roman embassies to China sent out by Emperor Antoninus Pius. The mission came from the South, and therefore probably by sea, entering China by the frontier of Jinan or Tonkin, bringing presents of rhinoceros horns, ivory, and tortoise shell which had probably been acquired in Southern Asia.

Related Topics:
Hou Hanshu - Chinese - Roman embassies to China - Jinan - Tonkin - Rhinoceros - Tortoise shell - Southern Asia

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The emperor was probably actually Marcus Aurelius, who was the reigning emperor. Antoninus Pius died in 161, while the convoy arrived in 166. The confusion arises because Marcus Aurelius took as additional names, those of his predecessor as a mark of respect. He is referred to in Chinese history as "An Tun" (= Antoninus), hence the confusion.

Related Topics:
Marcus Aurelius - 166

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The mission reached the Chinese capital of Luoyang in 166 and was met by Emperor Huan of the Han Dynasty. About the same time, and possibly through this embassy, the Chinese acquired a treatise of astronomy from Daqin (Rome).

Related Topics:
Luoyang - Emperor Huan - Han Dynasty - Astronomy - Daqin

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