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The Han Dynasty's Silk Monopoly and the War for the Heavenly Horses episode artwork

EPISODE · May 9, 2026 · 8 MIN

The Han Dynasty's Silk Monopoly and the War for the Heavenly Horses

from Trade Routes That Changed Human History Forever — Fexingo History · host Fexingo

Before the Silk Road became a network of private merchants, it was a state operation. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the Han Dynasty turned silk into a strategic asset, using it to buy off nomadic Xiongnu raiders and fund expansion. They dig into the little-known War of the Heavenly Horses (104–101 BCE), when Emperor Wu sent a massive army across the Pamirs to secure Ferghana's legendary blood-sweating horses for his cavalry. The episode covers Zhang Qian's mission to the Yuezhi, the Battle of the Iron Gate Pass, the fall of the city of Ershi, and how silk diplomacy created the first official Silk Road routes. Along the way, they touch on the tribute system, the role of the Daxia (Bactria), and the controversial legacy of Emperor Wu's military campaigns. #HanDynasty #SilkRoad #HeavenlyHorses #EmperorWu #ZhangQian #Xiongnu #Ferghana #Dayuan #WarOfTheHeavenlyHorses #Ershi #SilkMonopoly #TributeSystem #Bactria #Daxia #Pamirs #AncientChina #History #FexingoHistory #RomanEmpire #IndianOceanTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

What this episode covers

Before the Silk Road became a network of private merchants, it was a state operation. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the Han Dynasty turned silk into a strategic asset, using it to buy off nomadic Xiongnu raiders and fund expansion. They dig into the little-known War of the Heavenly Horses (104–101 BCE), when Emperor Wu sent a massive army across the Pamirs to secure Ferghana's legendary blood-sweating horses for his cavalry. The episode covers Zhang Qian's mission to the Yuezhi, the Battle of the Iron Gate Pass, the fall of the city of Ershi, and how silk diplomacy created the first official Silk Road routes. Along the way, they touch on the tribute system, the role of the Daxia (Bactria), and the controversial legacy of Emperor Wu's military campaigns. #HanDynasty #SilkRoad #HeavenlyHorses #EmperorWu #ZhangQian #Xiongnu #Ferghana #Dayuan #WarOfTheHeavenlyHorses #Ershi #SilkMonopoly #TributeSystem #Bactria #Daxia #Pamirs #AncientChina #History #FexingoHistory #RomanEmpire #IndianOceanTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Trade Routes That Changed Human History Forever — Fexingo History?

This episode is 8 minutes long.

When was this Trade Routes That Changed Human History Forever — Fexingo History episode published?

This episode was published on May 9, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Before the Silk Road became a network of private merchants, it was a state operation. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the Han Dynasty turned silk into a strategic asset, using it to buy off nomadic Xiongnu raiders and fund expansion....

Can I download this Trade Routes That Changed Human History Forever — Fexingo History episode?

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