Daqin

Daqin is a historical term used by the Chinese to refer to the Roman Empire. This name appears in Chinese historical texts, most notably in the Hou Hanshu, the "Book of the Later Han," which describes a supposed envoy from "Daqin" arriving in China during the Eastern Han Dynasty in 166 CE. The text suggests this envoy brought gifts such as rhinoceros horns and ivory.

Scholars debate whether this event truly represented an official Roman delegation or was a misidentification by Chinese sources. Some believe it may have been a group of merchants or travelers, possibly from Palmyra or other Eastern Roman territories, who presented themselves as envoys from Rome. The Chinese understanding of Daqin was likely based on indirect contact and fragmented information, as direct diplomatic relations between the Roman Empire and Han China were virtually nonexistent.

The term "Daqin" itself is thought to be a transliteration of a foreign name, possibly related to "Takin" or similar pronunciations used in Central Asia for Roman territories. The descriptions of Daqin in Chinese sources paint a picture of a powerful and wealthy civilization, reflecting the awe and curiosity the Han Chinese held for this distant and largely unknown empire. The concept of Daqin remained in Chinese historical consciousness for centuries, influencing subsequent perceptions of the West.