Ban Chao

Ban Chao led a small force of Han troops and local allies to defeat the Xiongnu and their client states in the Tarim Basin. He reestablished Chinese control over the city-states of the Silk Road, securing trade routes and tribute from kingdoms like Kashgar and Khotan.

The Kushan Empire (Yuezhi) invaded the Western Regions with a large army. Ban Chao, with limited forces, used a scorched-earth strategy and cut off the Kushan supply lines, forcing them to retreat and sue for peace. This victory secured Han dominance in Central Asia.

Emperor He of Han appointed Ban Chao as Protector General of the Western Regions, a position that gave him authority over all Han territories and allies in Central Asia. He held this post for over a decade, maintaining peace and Chinese influence from the Pamirs to the Gobi Desert.

Ban Chao dispatched his envoy Gan Ying to explore the Roman Empire (Da Qin). Gan Ying reached the Persian Gulf but was told by Parthian merchants that the sea voyage was too dangerous, turning back. This was the closest a Chinese envoy came to Rome in antiquity.