Ancient Chinese Historian Describes The Roman Empire // 3rd century AD "Weilue" // Primary Source
The video describes a country called Da Qin, also known as Li Jian, located west of a large sea. Travelers can reach it by boat, a journey that can take from two months to three years depending on the wind, or by an overland route. Da Qin is a vast country with over 400 cities and towns, known for its stone-walled cities and diverse plant life. Its people cultivate grains, raise animals, and are skilled in conjuring. The ruler is replaced if natural disasters occur, with a virtuous person taking their place. The people are tall and virtuous, resembling Chinese, and have a written script, public buildings, and a postal service. They produce fine linen, gold and silver coins, and various textiles, including those made from Chinese silk. The country has rich natural resources like various metals, precious stones, and exotic animals. There are many smaller kingdoms within Da Qin. The video also mentions various routes to Da Qin and describes regions further west, emphasizing the limited knowledge of distant lands based on personal experience.
Key Vocabulary
The time in the morning when light first appears, just before the sun rises.
Examples:
- We started our hike at daybreak to avoid the midday heat.
- The birds began to sing loudly just before daybreak.
- She always enjoyed the quiet beauty of the city at daybreak.
To secure the support or services of someone or something, often for a particular purpose.
Examples:
- The team manager was busy enlisting new talent for the upcoming season.
- She succeeded in enlisting the help of her neighbors for the community clean-up.
- The project required enlisting advanced technology to achieve its goals.
A lightweight umbrella used as a sunshade.
Examples:
- She carried a delicate lace parasol to protect herself from the strong sun.
- The beach vendor offered colorful parasols for rent.
- A small parasol was propped up next to the lounge chair, providing a patch of shade.
A precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut and polished for use as an ornament.
Examples:
- The necklace was adorned with a beautiful blue gemstone.
- The jeweler displayed a wide variety of uncut gemstones.
- Each gemstone caught the light, sparkling with unique brilliance.
A piece of thick fabric with pictures or designs woven into it, used as a wall hanging or furniture covering.
Examples:
- The ancient castle hall was decorated with a large, intricate tapestry depicting historical events.
- She spent hours admiring the detailed figures in the medieval tapestry.
- The artist created a modern tapestry using abstract patterns and vibrant colors.
Connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity.
Examples:
- The city has a rich maritime history, with many old docks and shipyards.
- Maritime law governs activities on the open seas.
- They studied various aspects of maritime trade routes from centuries ago.
Outlaws or robbers, especially members of a gang.
Examples:
- The travelers were warned about the potential for bandits along the mountain pass.
- Local authorities worked to suppress the activities of the bandits in the region.
- Stories of legendary bandits often involve daring escapes and hidden treasures.
A small pool of liquid, especially of rainwater on the ground.
Examples:
- After the rain, a small puddle formed in the driveway.
- The child loved splashing in every puddle he found.
- The spilled drink left a sticky puddle on the floor.
A vitreous, translucent, or opaque coating applied to pottery or ceramic ware to make it impermeable and decorative.
Examples:
- The potter applied a beautiful blue glaze to the finished bowl.
- The ancient vase had a unique, crackled glaze.
- She experimented with different types of glaze to achieve various effects on her ceramics.
Decorated or made in a variety of colors.
Examples:
- The ancient temple featured intricate polychrome carvings.
- The artist specialized in creating polychrome sculptures.
- The museum displayed a collection of polychrome pottery from the classical period.
A type of fish typically characterized by an elongated body and long, narrow jaws.
Examples:
- The angler was surprised by the size of the gar he caught in the freshwater lake.
- Gar are known for their sharp teeth and predatory nature.
- The museum exhibit included a preserved specimen of a longnose gar.
Small, agile carnivorous mammals native to Africa and Asia, known for their ability to kill snakes.
Examples:
- The farmer hoped that the presence of mongooses would help control the snake population.
- Mongooses are often depicted in folklore as brave and clever animals.
- A group of mongooses scurried across the road, disappearing into the undergrowth.
The performance of tricks that seem to be magical, especially by sleight of hand.
Examples:
- The magician was famous for his amazing feats of conjuring.
- The children watched in awe as he started conjuring coins from behind their ears.
- His act involved a mix of traditional conjuring and modern illusions.
A traditional Chinese unit of area, roughly equivalent to 0.0667 hectares or 0.1647 acres.
Examples:
- The farmer owned several mu of fertile land.
- They planned to cultivate two mu of rice next season.
- The property measured approximately five mu in total area.
A traditional Chinese unit of length, roughly equivalent to 400 meters or 0.25 miles.
Examples:
- The village was located several dong from the main road.
- They walked for a dong before reaching the river.
- The ancient map indicated distances in dong rather than kilometers.
Having many stories or floors.
Examples:
- The city skyline was dominated by several multistoried buildings.
- They lived in a charming multistoried house with a view of the park.
- The new library was a modern, multistoried structure designed for extensive book collections.
Long existence or service.
Examples:
- The company celebrated its longevity, having been in business for over a century.
- Certain diets are believed to contribute to human longevity.
- The ancient tree was a symbol of strength and longevity in the community.
A person who is not a member of a given profession or who does not have special knowledge in a particular subject.
Examples:
- The scientist explained the complex theory in terms a layman could understand.
- As a layman in legal matters, I found the contract difficult to interpret.
- Even a layman could appreciate the beauty of the artwork.
From the original source or personal experience; direct.
Examples:
- She gained firsthand knowledge of the culture by living with a local family.
- The reporter provided a firsthand account of the events.
- It's always better to hear information firsthand rather than through rumors.
The impression left on the ground by the hoof of an animal.
Examples:
- The detective found a clear hoofprint in the mud near the crime scene.
- The cowboy followed the distinct hoofprints of the runaway horse.
- Ancient fossilized hoofprints provided clues about prehistoric animals.