Ep 12. Contact with the West - The Early Han

The episode "Contact with the West - The Early Han" is the twelfth and final episode of the first season of the documentary series Foundations of Eastern Civilization. This episode explores the historical period when the Han dynasty in China first made contact with the Western world. The episode provides a detailed account of the exchanges and interactions that took place between the Han and the Western states during this period.

The episode begins by providing some historical context. The Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) was one of the most significant periods in Chinese history, characterized by political stability, social harmony, and cultural achievements. During the early part of this period, China was closed off from the rest of the world, with the exception of the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean. However, as the Han flourished, they became increasingly interested in exploring new territories and making contact with other civilizations.

The episode then delves into the first recorded contact between China and the West. It talks about the Roman envoy, Marcus Antonius, who traveled to China during the reign of Emperor Han Wudi (141-87 BCE) in an attempt to establish diplomatic and commercial relations between the two states. Although his mission failed, it marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between China and the West.

The episode then shifts its focus to the Han dynasty's interactions with other Western states, including Parthia and India. It highlights how such interactions paved the way for the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultures. For example, the Chinese adopted paper-making technology, food, music, dance, and religious beliefs from India and other Western nations.

The episode also examines the impact of Western influences on Han China. It discusses how the Han viewed the West as barbaric and uncivilized initially but later grew to appreciate the Westerners' engineering skills, military prowess, and scientific knowledge. The episode highlights the early Han's efforts to incorporate Western ideas into their system of governance and administration.

Finally, the episode concludes by contextualizing the Han's interactions with the West within the broader history of human civilization. It emphasizes how such contacts laid the foundations for the globalization and cultural exchange that we see today. It also highlights the crucial role played by the early Han in shaping East-West relations.

Overall, "Contact with the West - The Early Han" is an insightful and informative episode that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of Chinese history. It provides a nuanced understanding of the early Han's interactions with the Western world and emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural exchange in shaping human history.