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{{Short description|Chinese military general, explorer and diplomat (32–102 CE)}}
{{Short description|Chinese military general, explorer and diplomat (32–102 CE)}}
{{Distinguish|text=his sister [[Ban Zhao]]}}
{{Distinguish|text=his sister [[Ban Zhao]]}}
{{family name hatnote|[[Ban (surname)|Ban]]|lang=Chinese}}
{{family name hatnote|[[Ban (Chinese surname)|Ban]]|lang=Chinese}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Chinese
|pic=Statue commemorating Ban Chao, Kashgar.jpg
| name = Ban Chao
| native_name = {{nobold|班超}}
|piccap=Statue of Ban Chao in [[Kashgar]]
| native_name_lang = zh-Hant
⚫
|c=班超
| image = File:汉班超立像.png
⚫
|p=Bān Chāo
| image_upright =
⚫
|w=Pan Ch'ao
| caption = Ming dynasty portrait of Ban Chao
| alt =
| birth_date = 32
| death_date = {{Death year and age|102|32}}
| birth_place = Pingling, [[Fufeng (region)|Fufeng]], [[Eastern Han]]
| death_place = [[Luoyang]], Eastern Han
| placeofburial =
| placeofburial_label =
| placeofburial_coordinates = <!-- {{Coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} -->
| allegiance = [[Han dynasty]]
| serviceyears =
| battles =
| spouse =
| relations =
| module = {{Infobox Chinese|child=yes
|pic=
|piccap=
|picupright=
⚫
|c = 班超
⚫
|p = Bān Chāo
⚫
|w = Pan Ch'ao
|altname=Zhongsheng<br />([[courtesy name]])
|altname=Zhongsheng<br />([[courtesy name]])
|c2=仲升
|c2=仲升
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|w2=Chung-sheng
|w2=Chung-sheng
}}
}}
}}
'''Ban Chao''' ({{zh|t=班超|p='''Bān Chāo'''|w='''Pan<sup>1</sup> Ch'ao<sup>1</sup>'''}}; 32–102 CE), [[courtesy name]] '''Zhongsheng''', was a Chinese diplomat, explorer, and military general of the [[Eastern Han Dynasty]]. He was born in [[Fufeng (region)|Fufeng]], now [[Xianyang]], [[Shaanxi]]. Three of his family members—father [[Ban Biao]], elder brother [[Ban Gu]], younger sister [[Ban Zhao]]—were well known historians who wrote the historical text ''[[Book of Han]]'', which recorded the history of the [[Western Han Dynasty]]. As a Han general and cavalry commander, Ban Chao was in charge of administrating the "[[Western Regions]]" ([[Central Asia]]) while he was in service. He also led Han forces for over 30 years in the [[Han–Xiongnu War|war]] against the [[Xiongnu]] and re-established Han control over the [[Tarim Basin]] region. He was made [[Protectorate of the Western Regions|Protector General of the Western Regions]] by the Han government for his efforts in protecting and governing the regions. Ban Chao is depicted in the [[Wu Shuang Pu]] (無雙譜, Table of Peerless Heroes) by Jin Guliang.
'''Ban Chao''' ({{zh|t=班超|p='''Bān Chāo'''|w='''Pan<sup>1</sup> Ch'ao<sup>1</sup>'''}}; 32–102 CE), [[courtesy name]] '''Zhongsheng''', was a Chinese diplomat, explorer, and military general of the [[Eastern Han dynasty]]. He was born in [[Fufeng (region)|Fufeng]], now [[Xianyang]], [[Shaanxi]]. Three of his family members—father [[Ban Biao]], elder brother [[Ban Gu]], younger sister [[Ban Zhao]]—were well known historians who wrote the historical text ''[[Book of Han]]'', which recorded the history of the [[Western Han dynasty]]. As a Han general and cavalry commander, Ban Chao was in charge of administrating the "[[Western Regions]]" ([[Central Asia]]) while he was in service. He also led Han forces for over 30 years in the [[Han–Xiongnu War|war]] against the [[Xiongnu]] and re-established Han control over the [[Tarim Basin]] region. He was made [[Protectorate of the Western Regions|Protector General of the Western Regions]] by the Han government for his efforts in protecting and governing the regions. Ban Chao is depicted in the [[Wu Shuang Pu]] (無雙譜, Table of Peerless Heroes) by Jin Guliang.


As a well-known historian, Ban Chao's family was poor and he worked as a copy-clerk for the government. [[Emperor Ming of Han|Emperor Ming]] himself thought highly of him, and appointed him to be a clerk in the orchid terrace, but Ban Chao was too ambitious to be satisfied with a position like that, and was dismissed later. He was said to be a strong willed young adult with complete disregard for formal conduct. After his brother Ban Gu was removed from his post for his works on the [[Western Han|Former Han]], Ban Chao argued his case. When his brother was appointed to the imperial library, Ban Chao and his mother moved to the imperial capital [[Luoyang]] to accompany him. In 73 however, General [[Dou Gu]] embarked on an expedition to attack the Xiongnu, and Ban Chao was appointed as an assistant major. He distinguished himself in command against a Xiongnu detachment, and was appointed by Dou Gu to accompany Officer [[Guo Xun]] on a preliminary embassy to the remote western regions. When the group arrived at the capital of Shanshan, [[King Guang]] also received an embassy from the Northern Xiongnu. Ban Chao and the small group of delegates slaughtered the Xiongnu envoys and sent their heads to the king. Shocked and overwhelmed by Han brutality, King Guang sent hostages to Han as a pact of non-aggression.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23–220 AD)|last=De Crespigny, Rafe|date=2007|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-9047411840|location=Leiden|pages=4–5|oclc=238234833}}</ref> This was just the start of the many exploits Ban Chao accomplished in the western regions.
As a well-known historian, Ban Chao's family was poor and he worked as a copy-clerk for the government. [[Emperor Ming of Han|Emperor Ming]] himself thought highly of him, and appointed him to be a clerk in the orchid terrace, but Ban Chao was too ambitious to be satisfied with a position like that, and was dismissed later. He was said to be a strong willed young adult with complete disregard for formal conduct. After his brother Ban Gu was removed from his post for his works on the [[Western Han|Former Han]], Ban Chao argued his case. When his brother was appointed to the imperial library, Ban Chao and his mother moved to the imperial capital [[Luoyang]] to accompany him. In 73 however, General [[Dou Gu]] embarked on an expedition to attack the Xiongnu, and Ban Chao was appointed as an assistant major. He distinguished himself in command against a Xiongnu detachment, and was appointed by Dou Gu to accompany Officer [[Guo Xun]] on a preliminary embassy to the remote western regions. When the group arrived at the capital of Shanshan, [[King Guang]] also received an embassy from the Northern Xiongnu. Ban Chao and the small group of delegates slaughtered the Xiongnu envoys and sent their heads to the king. Shocked and overwhelmed by Han brutality, King Guang sent hostages to Han as a pact of non-aggression.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23–220 AD)|last=De Crespigny, Rafe|date=2007|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-9047411840|location=Leiden|pages=4–5|oclc=238234833}}</ref> This was just the start of the many exploits Ban Chao accomplished in the western regions.


==Control of the Tarim Basin==
==Control of the Tarim Basin==
[[File:Pan Chao appoints Zhong, king of Kashgar. 73 CE.jpg|thumb|Pan Chao appoints Zhong, king of Kashgar. 73 CE]]
[[File:投筆封侯.jpg|thumb|Ban Chao in the ''Ma Tai Hua Bao'']]
Ban Chao, like his predecessors [[Huo Qubing]] and [[Wei Qing]] from the [[Former Han Dynasty]] before him, was effective at expelling the [[Xiongnu]] from the [[Tarim Basin]], and brought the various people of the Western Regions under Chinese rule during the second half of the 1st century CE, helping to open and secure the trade routes to the west. He was generally outnumbered, but skillfully played on the divisions among his opponents. The kingdoms of [[Khotan]] and [[Kashgar]] came under Chinese rule by 74 CE. "Pan Ch'ao crushed fresh rebellions in Kashgar (80, 87) and Yarkand (88), and made the [[Wusun]] of the [[Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture|Ili]] his allies."<ref name=Rene>{{Cite book |last=Grousset |first=Rene |title=The Empire of the Steppes |publisher=Rutgers University Press |year=1970 |isbn=0-8135-1304-9 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/empireofsteppesh00prof/page/42 42–47] |url=https://archive.org/details/empireofsteppesh00prof/page/42 }}</ref>
Ban Chao, like his predecessors [[Huo Qubing]] and [[Wei Qing]] from the [[Former Han dynasty]] before him, was effective at expelling the [[Xiongnu]] from the [[Tarim Basin]], and brought the various people of the Western Regions under Chinese rule during the second half of the 1st century CE, helping to open and secure the trade routes to the west. He was generally outnumbered, but skillfully played on the divisions among his opponents. The kingdoms of [[Khotan]] and [[Kashgar]] came under Chinese rule by 74 CE. "Pan Ch'ao crushed fresh rebellions in Kashgar (80, 87) and Yarkand (88), and made the [[Wusun]] of the [[Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture|Ili]] his allies."<ref name=Rene>{{Cite book |last=Grousset |first=Rene |title=The Empire of the Steppes |publisher=Rutgers University Press |year=1970 |isbn=0-8135-1304-9 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/empireofsteppesh00prof/page/42 42–47] |url=https://archive.org/details/empireofsteppesh00prof/page/42 }}</ref>


Ban Chao was recalled to [[Luoyang]], but then sent again to the Western Region area four years later, during the reign of the new emperor [[Emperor Zhang of Han China|Han Zhang Di]]. He obtained the military help of the [[Kushan Empire]] in 84 in repelling the [[Kangju]] who were trying to support the rebellion of the king of Kashgar, and the next year in his attack on [[Turpan]], in the eastern Tarim Basin. Ban Chao ultimately brought the whole of the Tarim Basin under Chinese control.
Ban Chao was recalled to [[Luoyang]], but then sent again to the Western Region area four years later, during the reign of the new emperor [[Emperor Zhang of Han China|Han Zhang Di]]. He obtained the military help of the [[Kushan Empire]] in 84 in repelling the [[Kangju]] who were trying to support the rebellion of the king of Kashgar, and the next year in his attack on [[Turpan]], in the eastern Tarim Basin. Ban Chao ultimately brought the whole of the Tarim Basin under Chinese control.
Line 25: Line 47:
In recognition for their support to the Chinese, the Kushans (referred to as [[Da Yuezhi]] in Chinese sources) requested, but were denied, a [[Han Chinese|Han]] princess, even though they had sent presents to the Chinese court. In retaliation, they marched on Ban Chao in 90 CE with a force of 70,000 but were defeated by the smaller Chinese force. The Yuezhi retreated and paid tribute to the Chinese Empire. (Later, during the Yuanchu period, 114–120 CE, the Kushans sent a military force to install Chenpan, who had been a hostage among them, as king of Kashgar).<ref>Hill (2009), p. 43.</ref>
In recognition for their support to the Chinese, the Kushans (referred to as [[Da Yuezhi]] in Chinese sources) requested, but were denied, a [[Han Chinese|Han]] princess, even though they had sent presents to the Chinese court. In retaliation, they marched on Ban Chao in 90 CE with a force of 70,000 but were defeated by the smaller Chinese force. The Yuezhi retreated and paid tribute to the Chinese Empire. (Later, during the Yuanchu period, 114–120 CE, the Kushans sent a military force to install Chenpan, who had been a hostage among them, as king of Kashgar).<ref>Hill (2009), p. 43.</ref>


[[File:Statue commemorating Ban Chao, Kashgar.jpg|thumb|Statue of Ban Chao in [[Kashgar]]]]
[[File:Han Dynasty ceramic prancing horse.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chinese ceramics|Ceramic]] statues of a prancing horse (foreground) and a cavalryman on horseback (background), [[Eastern Han Dynasty]] (25–220 CE)]]
In 91 CE, Ban Chao finally succeeded in pacifying the Western Regions and was awarded the title of Protector General and stationed at Qiuci ([[Kucha]]).<ref name="Hill 2009, p. 5">Hill (2009), p. 5.</ref> A Wuji Colonel was re-established and, commanding five hundred soldiers, stationed in the Kingdom of Nearer Jushi, within the walls of [[Gaochang]], 29 kilometres southeast of [[Turfan]].<ref name="Hill 2009, p. 5"/> In 94 CE, Chao proceeded to again attack and defeat Yanqi [Karashahr]. Subsequently, more than fifty kingdoms presented hostages, as submission to the Han Dynasty.<ref name="Hill 2009, p. 5"/>
In 91 CE, Ban Chao finally succeeded in pacifying the Western Regions and was awarded the title of Protector General and stationed at Qiuci ([[Kucha]]).<ref name="Hill 2009, p. 5">Hill (2009), p. 5.</ref> A Wuji Colonel was re-established and, commanding five hundred soldiers, stationed in the Kingdom of Nearer Jushi, within the walls of [[Gaochang]], 29 kilometres southeast of [[Turfan]].<ref name="Hill 2009, p. 5"/> In 94 CE, Chao proceeded to again attack and defeat Yanqi [Karashahr]. Subsequently, more than fifty kingdoms presented hostages, as submission to the Han dynasty.<ref name="Hill 2009, p. 5"/>
In 97 CE Ban Chao sent an envoy, [[Gan Ying]], who reached the Persian Gulf or the [[Black Sea]] and left the first recorded Chinese account of Europe.<ref>Hill. (2009), p. 55.</ref> Some modern authors have claimed that Ban Chao advanced to the [[Caspian Sea]], however, this interpretation has been criticized as a misreading.<ref>J. Oliver Thomson, ''A History of Ancient Geography'', Cambridge 1948, p. 311. Thomson cites Richthofen, ''China'', 1877, I, 469 and some other authors in support of the claim that Ban Chao marched to the Caspian, and Yule/Cordier, ''Cathay and the way thither'', 1916 p. 40 (pp. 40ff in vol.I of the 2005 edition by Asian Educational Services), Chavannes, ''Seidenstrassen'', p. 8, and Teggart, ''Rome and China'' as references for such claims being erroneous.</ref>
In 97 CE, Ban Chao sent an envoy, [[Gan Ying]], who reached the [[Persian Gulf]] or the [[Black Sea]] and left the first recorded Chinese account of Europe.<ref>Hill. (2009), p. 55.</ref> Some modern authors have claimed that Ban Chao advanced to the [[Caspian Sea]], however, this interpretation has been criticized as a misreading.<ref>J. Oliver Thomson, ''A History of Ancient Geography'', Cambridge 1948, p. 311. Thomson cites Richthofen, ''China'', 1877, I, 469 and some other authors in support of the claim that Ban Chao marched to the Caspian, and Yule/Cordier, ''Cathay and the way thither'', 1916 p. 40 (pp. 40ff in vol.I of the 2005 edition by Asian Educational Services), Chavannes, ''Seidenstrassen'', p. 8, and Teggart, ''Rome and China'' as references for such claims being erroneous.</ref>


In 102 CE Ban Chao was retired as [[Protector General of the Western Regions]] due to age and ill health, and returned to the capital [[Luoyang]] at the age of 70, but the following month died there in the 9th month of the 14th Yongyuan year (30 Sept. to 28 Oct. 102). See: ''[[Hou Hanshu]]'', chap 77 (sometimes given as chap. 107).<ref>Chavannes (1906), p. 243.</ref> Following his death, the power of the Xiongnu in the Western Territories increased again, and subsequent Chinese emperors did not reach so far to the west again until the [[Tang Dynasty]].
In 102 CE, Ban Chao was retired as [[Protector General of the Western Regions]] due to age and ill health, and returned to the capital [[Luoyang]] at the age of 70, but the following month died there in the 9th month of the 14th Yongyuan year (30 Sept. to 28 Oct. 102). See: ''[[Hou Hanshu]]'', chap 77 (sometimes given as chap. 107).<ref>Chavannes (1906), p. 243.</ref> Following his death, the power of the Xiongnu in the Western Territories increased again, and subsequent Chinese emperors did not reach so far to the west again until the [[Tang dynasty]].


== A family of historians ==
== A family of historians ==
[[File:Ban Biao family tree.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Family tree of Ban Chao.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Sanping |title=Two Notes on the Xiongnu Ancestry of the Authors of "Han-shu" |journal=Central Asiatic Journal |date=2011 |volume=55 |issue=1 |pages=33–36 |jstor=41928567 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41928567 |issn=0008-9192}}<br>
Ban Chao also belonged to a family of historians. His father was [[Ban Biao]] (3–54 CE) who started the ''History of the Western Han Dynasty'' (''Hanshu''; ''The [[Book of Han]]'') in 36, which was completed by his son [[Ban Gu]] (32–92)<ref>Hill (2009), p. xv.</ref> and his daughter [[Ban Zhao]] (Ban Chao's brother and sister). Ban Chao was probably the key source for the cultural and socio-economic data on the Western Regions contained in the ''Hanshu''.
{{cite book |last1=Clark |first1=Anthony E. |title=Ban Gu's history of early China |date=2008 |publisher=Cambria press |location=Amherst (N.Y.) |isbn=978-1-60497-561-1 |page=183 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cUF0ZCTRPwEC&pg=PA183}}<br>
{{cite book |last1=Clark |first1=Anthony E. |title=Ban Gu's history of early China |date=2008 |publisher=Cambria press |location=Amherst (N.Y.) |isbn=978-1-60497-561-1 |page=44 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cUF0ZCTRPwEC&pg=PA44 |quote=The “Basic Annals of Emperor Wen” is a chapter that Biao seems to have written entirely. Ban Biao appears as the commentator in the final remarks of the chapter. The passage states, 贊曰﹕臣外祖兄弟為元帝侍中，語臣曰元帝多才藝，美史書．The Eulogy states: My (your minister’s) maternal grandmother’s older and younger brothers were made the palace retainers of Emperor Yuan. They informed me that Emperor Yuan had several talents in the arts and considered historical books attractive.<br>The “minister” in this Eulogy is usually identified as Ban Biao. The Han commentator, Ying Shao, noted that “the annals of both Yuan and Cheng were written by Ban Biao; when ‘chen’ 臣 (i.e., ‘minister’) is used, the speaker is Biao. The distaff relative mentioned is Jin Chang” 元，成帝紀皆班固父彪所作，臣則彪自說也．外祖，金敞也.}}</ref>]]
Ban Chao also belonged to a family of historians. His father was [[Ban Biao]] (3–54 CE) who started the ''History of the Western Han Dynasty'' (''Hanshu''; ''The [[Book of Han]]'') in 36, which was completed by his son [[Ban Gu]] (32–92)<ref>Hill (2009), p. xv.</ref> and his daughter [[Ban Zhao]] (Ban Chao's brother and sister). Ban Chao was probably the key source for the cultural and socio-economic data on the Western Regions contained in the ''Hanshu''. Ban Chao's grandmother on the paternal side was [[Xiongnu]] and was a descendant of the Xiongnu king [[Xiutu]].<ref name="SC33">{{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Sanping |title=Two Notes on the Xiongnu Ancestry of the Authors of "Han-shu" |journal=Central Asiatic Journal |date=2011 |volume=55 |issue=1 |pages=33–36 |jstor=41928567 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41928567 |issn=0008-9192}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Clark |first1=Anthony E. |title=Ban Gu's history of early China |date=2008 |publisher=Cambria press |location=Amherst (N.Y.) |isbn=978-1-60497-561-1 |page=44 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cUF0ZCTRPwEC&pg=PA44 |quote=The “Basic Annals of Emperor Wen” is a chapter that Biao seems to have written entirely. Ban Biao appears as the commentator in the final remarks of the chapter. The passage states, 贊曰﹕臣外祖兄弟為元帝侍中，語臣曰元帝多才藝，美史書．The Eulogy states: My (your minister’s) maternal grandmother’s older and younger brothers were made the palace retainers of Emperor Yuan. They informed me that Emperor Yuan had several talents in the arts and considered historical books attractive.<br>The “minister” in this Eulogy is usually identified as Ban Biao. The Han commentator, Ying Shao, noted that “the annals of both Yuan and Cheng were written by Ban Biao; when ‘chen’ 臣 (i.e., ‘minister’) is used, the speaker is Biao. The distaff relative mentioned is Jin Chang” 元，成帝紀皆班固父彪所作，臣則彪自說也．外祖，金敞也.}}</ref> The partly Xiongnu origins of Ban Chao might help explain his skills in matters related to China's history and foreign relations.<ref name="SC33"/>


Ban Chao's youngest son [[Ban Yong]] (班勇 Bān Yŏng) participated in military campaigns with his father and continued to have a central military role in the Tarim Basin into the 120s.
Ban Chao's youngest son [[Ban Yong]] (班勇 Bān Yŏng) participated in military campaigns with his father and continued to have a central military role in the Tarim Basin into the 120s.
Line 50: Line 75:
* "Throw away your [[ink brush|writing brush]] and join the military!" ({{lang|zh-Hant|投筆從戎}}) – based on his words "A brave man has no other plan but to follow [[Fu Jiezi]] and [[Zhang Qian]]'s footsteps and do something and become somebody in a foreign land. How can I waste my life on writing? (大丈夫無他志略，猶當效傅介子、張騫立功異域，以取封侯，安能久事筆硯間乎？) in ''[[Book of the Later Han]]''.
* "Throw away your [[ink brush|writing brush]] and join the military!" ({{lang|zh-Hant|投筆從戎}}) – based on his words "A brave man has no other plan but to follow [[Fu Jiezi]] and [[Zhang Qian]]'s footsteps and do something and become somebody in a foreign land. How can I waste my life on writing? (大丈夫無他志略，猶當效傅介子、張騫立功異域，以取封侯，安能久事筆硯間乎？) in ''[[Book of the Later Han]]''.
* "...{{nbsp}}he who does not enter the tiger's lair will never catch its cubs." (不入虎穴，不得虎子) – similar to the saying "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
* "...{{nbsp}}he who does not enter the tiger's lair will never catch its cubs." (不入虎穴，不得虎子) – similar to the saying "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
* "To die without glory is not the act of valiant men." {{Citation needed|date=June 2019}}
* "To die without glory is not the act of valiant men." (死無所名，非壯士也)


==See also==
==See also==
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== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* Yap, Joseph P. (2019). ''The Western Regions, Xiongnu and Han, from the Shiji, Hanshu and Hou Hanshu''. {{ISBN|978-1792829154}}
* Yap, Joseph P. (2019). ''The Western Regions, Xiongnu and Han, from the Shiji, Hanshu and Hou Hanshu''. {{ISBN|978-1792829154}}
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[[Category:Chinese explorers]]
[[Category:Chinese explorers]]
[[Category:Explorers of Central Asia]]
[[Category:Explorers of Central Asia]]
[[Category:Legendary Chinese people]]
[[Category:Han dynasty diplomats]]
[[Category:Han dynasty diplomats]]
[[Category:Han dynasty generals from Shaanxi]]
[[Category:Han dynasty generals]]
[[Category:Han dynasty politicians from Shaanxi]]
[[Category:Politicians from Xianyang]]
[[Category:Politicians from Xianyang]]

Latest revision as of 20:05, 3 September 2024

Not to be confused with his sister Ban Zhao.
In this Chinese name, the family name is Ban.
Ban Chao
Ming dynasty portrait of Ban Chao
Native name
班超
Born32
Pingling, Fufeng, Eastern Han
Died102 (aged 69–70)
Luoyang, Eastern Han
AllegianceHan dynasty
Chinese name
Chinese班超
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinBān Chāo
Wade–GilesPan Ch'ao
Zhongsheng
(courtesy name)
Chinese仲升
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhòngshēng
Wade–GilesChung-sheng

Ban Chao (Chinese: 班超; pinyin: Bān Chāo; Wade–Giles: Pan1 Ch'ao1; 32–102 CE), courtesy name Zhongsheng, was a Chinese diplomat, explorer, and military general of the Eastern Han dynasty. He was born in Fufeng, now Xianyang, Shaanxi. Three of his family members—father Ban Biao, elder brother Ban Gu, younger sister Ban Zhao—were well known historians who wrote the historical text Book of Han, which recorded the history of the Western Han dynasty. As a Han general and cavalry commander, Ban Chao was in charge of administrating the "Western Regions" (Central Asia) while he was in service. He also led Han forces for over 30 years in the war against the Xiongnu and re-established Han control over the Tarim Basin region. He was made Protector General of the Western Regions by the Han government for his efforts in protecting and governing the regions. Ban Chao is depicted in the Wu Shuang Pu (無雙譜, Table of Peerless Heroes) by Jin Guliang.

As a well-known historian, Ban Chao's family was poor and he worked as a copy-clerk for the government. Emperor Ming himself thought highly of him, and appointed him to be a clerk in the orchid terrace, but Ban Chao was too ambitious to be satisfied with a position like that, and was dismissed later. He was said to be a strong willed young adult with complete disregard for formal conduct. After his brother Ban Gu was removed from his post for his works on the Former Han, Ban Chao argued his case. When his brother was appointed to the imperial library, Ban Chao and his mother moved to the imperial capital Luoyang to accompany him. In 73 however, General Dou Gu embarked on an expedition to attack the Xiongnu, and Ban Chao was appointed as an assistant major. He distinguished himself in command against a Xiongnu detachment, and was appointed by Dou Gu to accompany Officer Guo Xun on a preliminary embassy to the remote western regions. When the group arrived at the capital of Shanshan, King Guang also received an embassy from the Northern Xiongnu. Ban Chao and the small group of delegates slaughtered the Xiongnu envoys and sent their heads to the king. Shocked and overwhelmed by Han brutality, King Guang sent hostages to Han as a pact of non-aggression.[1] This was just the start of the many exploits Ban Chao accomplished in the western regions.

Control of the Tarim Basin

[edit]
Ban Chao in the Ma Tai Hua Bao

Ban Chao, like his predecessors Huo Qubing and Wei Qing from the Former Han dynasty before him, was effective at expelling the Xiongnu from the Tarim Basin, and brought the various people of the Western Regions under Chinese rule during the second half of the 1st century CE, helping to open and secure the trade routes to the west. He was generally outnumbered, but skillfully played on the divisions among his opponents. The kingdoms of Khotan and Kashgar came under Chinese rule by 74 CE. "Pan Ch'ao crushed fresh rebellions in Kashgar (80, 87) and Yarkand (88), and made the Wusun of the Ili his allies."[2]

Ban Chao was recalled to Luoyang, but then sent again to the Western Region area four years later, during the reign of the new emperor Han Zhang Di. He obtained the military help of the Kushan Empire in 84 in repelling the Kangju who were trying to support the rebellion of the king of Kashgar, and the next year in his attack on Turpan, in the eastern Tarim Basin. Ban Chao ultimately brought the whole of the Tarim Basin under Chinese control.

In recognition for their support to the Chinese, the Kushans (referred to as Da Yuezhi in Chinese sources) requested, but were denied, a Han princess, even though they had sent presents to the Chinese court. In retaliation, they marched on Ban Chao in 90 CE with a force of 70,000 but were defeated by the smaller Chinese force. The Yuezhi retreated and paid tribute to the Chinese Empire. (Later, during the Yuanchu period, 114–120 CE, the Kushans sent a military force to install Chenpan, who had been a hostage among them, as king of Kashgar).[3]

Statue of Ban Chao in Kashgar

In 91 CE, Ban Chao finally succeeded in pacifying the Western Regions and was awarded the title of Protector General and stationed at Qiuci (Kucha).[4] A Wuji Colonel was re-established and, commanding five hundred soldiers, stationed in the Kingdom of Nearer Jushi, within the walls of Gaochang, 29 kilometres southeast of Turfan.[4] In 94 CE, Chao proceeded to again attack and defeat Yanqi [Karashahr]. Subsequently, more than fifty kingdoms presented hostages, as submission to the Han dynasty.[4]

In 97 CE, Ban Chao sent an envoy, Gan Ying, who reached the Persian Gulf or the Black Sea and left the first recorded Chinese account of Europe.[5] Some modern authors have claimed that Ban Chao advanced to the Caspian Sea, however, this interpretation has been criticized as a misreading.[6]

In 102 CE, Ban Chao was retired as Protector General of the Western Regions due to age and ill health, and returned to the capital Luoyang at the age of 70, but the following month died there in the 9th month of the 14th Yongyuan year (30 Sept. to 28 Oct. 102). See: Hou Hanshu, chap 77 (sometimes given as chap. 107).[7] Following his death, the power of the Xiongnu in the Western Territories increased again, and subsequent Chinese emperors did not reach so far to the west again until the Tang dynasty.

A family of historians

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Family tree of Ban Chao.[8]

Ban Chao also belonged to a family of historians. His father was Ban Biao (3–54 CE) who started the History of the Western Han Dynasty (Hanshu; The Book of Han) in 36, which was completed by his son Ban Gu (32–92)[9] and his daughter Ban Zhao (Ban Chao's brother and sister). Ban Chao was probably the key source for the cultural and socio-economic data on the Western Regions contained in the Hanshu. Ban Chao's grandmother on the paternal side was Xiongnu and was a descendant of the Xiongnu king Xiutu.[10][11] The partly Xiongnu origins of Ban Chao might help explain his skills in matters related to China's history and foreign relations.[10]

Ban Chao's youngest son Ban Yong (班勇 Bān Yŏng) participated in military campaigns with his father and continued to have a central military role in the Tarim Basin into the 120s.

Ban Chao's family

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  • Ban Biao (班彪; 3–54; father)
    • Ban Gu (班固; 32–92; first son)
    • Ban Chao (班超; 32–102; second son)
      • Ban Xiong (班雄; ?–after 107; Ban Chao's eldest son)
        • Ban Shi (班始; ?–130; Ban Xiong's son)
      • Ban Yong (班勇; ?–after 127; Ban Chao's youngest son)
    • Ban Zhao (班昭; 45–116; Ban Chao's sister) She's the one who petitioned the reigning Emperor to let his brother return home from his posting.

Famous quotes

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(Chengyu)

  • "Throw away your writing brush and join the military!" (投筆從戎) – based on his words "A brave man has no other plan but to follow Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian's footsteps and do something and become somebody in a foreign land. How can I waste my life on writing? (大丈夫無他志略，猶當效傅介子、張騫立功異域，以取封侯，安能久事筆硯間乎？) in Book of the Later Han.
  • "... he who does not enter the tiger's lair will never catch its cubs." (不入虎穴，不得虎子) – similar to the saying "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
  • "To die without glory is not the act of valiant men." (死無所名，非壯士也)

See also

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References

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Citations

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  1. ^ De Crespigny, Rafe (2007). A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23–220 AD). Leiden: Brill. pp. 4–5. ISBN 978-9047411840. OCLC 238234833.
  2. ^ Grousset, Rene (1970). The Empire of the Steppes. Rutgers University Press. pp. 42–47. ISBN 0-8135-1304-9.
  3. ^ Hill (2009), p. 43.
  4. ^ a b c Hill (2009), p. 5.
  5. ^ Hill. (2009), p. 55.
  6. ^ J. Oliver Thomson, A History of Ancient Geography, Cambridge 1948, p. 311. Thomson cites Richthofen, China, 1877, I, 469 and some other authors in support of the claim that Ban Chao marched to the Caspian, and Yule/Cordier, Cathay and the way thither, 1916 p. 40 (pp. 40ff in vol.I of the 2005 edition by Asian Educational Services), Chavannes, Seidenstrassen, p. 8, and Teggart, Rome and China as references for such claims being erroneous.
  7. ^ Chavannes (1906), p. 243.
  8. ^ Chen, Sanping (2011). "Two Notes on the Xiongnu Ancestry of the Authors of "Han-shu"". Central Asiatic Journal. 55 (1): 33–36. ISSN 0008-9192. JSTOR 41928567.
    Clark, Anthony E. (2008). Ban Gu's history of early China. Amherst (N.Y.): Cambria press. p. 183. ISBN 978-1-60497-561-1.
    Clark, Anthony E. (2008). Ban Gu's history of early China. Amherst (N.Y.): Cambria press. p. 44. ISBN 978-1-60497-561-1. The "Basic Annals of Emperor Wen" is a chapter that Biao seems to have written entirely. Ban Biao appears as the commentator in the final remarks of the chapter. The passage states, 贊曰﹕臣外祖兄弟為元帝侍中，語臣曰元帝多才藝，美史書．The Eulogy states: My (your minister's) maternal grandmother's older and younger brothers were made the palace retainers of Emperor Yuan. They informed me that Emperor Yuan had several talents in the arts and considered historical books attractive.
    The "minister" in this Eulogy is usually identified as Ban Biao. The Han commentator, Ying Shao, noted that "the annals of both Yuan and Cheng were written by Ban Biao; when 'chen' 臣 (i.e., 'minister') is used, the speaker is Biao. The distaff relative mentioned is Jin Chang" 元，成帝紀皆班固父彪所作，臣則彪自說也．外祖，金敞也.
  9. ^ Hill (2009), p. xv.
  10. ^ a b Chen, Sanping (2011). "Two Notes on the Xiongnu Ancestry of the Authors of "Han-shu"". Central Asiatic Journal. 55 (1): 33–36. ISSN 0008-9192. JSTOR 41928567.
  11. ^ Clark, Anthony E. (2008). Ban Gu's history of early China. Amherst (N.Y.): Cambria press. p. 44. ISBN 978-1-60497-561-1. The "Basic Annals of Emperor Wen" is a chapter that Biao seems to have written entirely. Ban Biao appears as the commentator in the final remarks of the chapter. The passage states, 贊曰﹕臣外祖兄弟為元帝侍中，語臣曰元帝多才藝，美史書．The Eulogy states: My (your minister's) maternal grandmother's older and younger brothers were made the palace retainers of Emperor Yuan. They informed me that Emperor Yuan had several talents in the arts and considered historical books attractive.
    The "minister" in this Eulogy is usually identified as Ban Biao. The Han commentator, Ying Shao, noted that "the annals of both Yuan and Cheng were written by Ban Biao; when 'chen' 臣 (i.e., 'minister') is used, the speaker is Biao. The distaff relative mentioned is Jin Chang" 元，成帝紀皆班固父彪所作，臣則彪自說也．外祖，金敞也.

Sources

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  • Chavannes, Édouard (1906). "Trois Généraux Chinois de la dynastie des Han Orientaux. Pan Tch’ao (32–102 p.C.); – son fils Pan Yong; – Leang K’in (112 p.C.). Chapitre LXXVII du Heou Han chou." T’oung pao 7, pp. 210–269.
  • Hill, John E. (2009). Through the Jade Gate to Rome: A Study of the Silk Routes during the Later Han Dynasty, First to Second Centuries CE. BookSurge. ISBN 978-1-4392-2134-1.
  • The Tarim Mummies. J.P. Mallory and Victor H. Mair (2000). Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0-500-05101-1

Further reading

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  • Yap, Joseph P. (2019). The Western Regions, Xiongnu and Han, from the Shiji, Hanshu and Hou Hanshu. ISBN 978-1792829154
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