This chapter examines the historical and cultural intersections between the Mediterranean Sea (Mesogeios Thalassa – Dizhonghai 地中海 in Greek-Roman and Chinese sources), particularly the Greek-Hellenistic world and China. Beginning with Herodotus’ depiction of the Mediterranean as an intercultural space and tracing connections through the expansion of Alexander the Great’s dominion, the chapter explores the strategic role of settlements such as Alexandria Eschate in the Ferghana Valley. By analysing Chinese sources, including the Shiji 史記 and Hanshu 漢書, it is possible to highlight the transcontinental networks linking the Mediterranean world to China, emphasising the symbolic and economic importance of trade commodities like silk. Special attention is also given to the toponym Tiaozhi, identified with Characene, and the maritime routes to Da Qin 大秦 (commonly associated with the Roman Empire or its eastern territories). The chapter concludes that Da Qin in Chinese sources provides a sophisticated perspective on the Greek-Hellenistic world, shaped by intercultural exchanges across Central Asia and the Mediterranean world.
University of Naples L'Orientale, Italy - ORCID: 0009-0007-6294-3206
Chapter Title
Μεσόγειος Θάλασσα (Mesogeios Thalassa) in the Reflection of Dizhonghai 地中海: Routes and Connections Between the Greek World and China
Authors
Francesca Fariello
Language
English
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0598-6.05
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2024
Copyright Information
© 2024 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
Navigating the Mediterranean Through the Chinese Lens
Book Subtitle
Transcultural Narratives of the Sea Among Lands
Editors
Renata Vinci
Peer Reviewed
Number of Pages
138
Publication Year
2024
Copyright Information
© 2024 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0598-6
ISBN Print
979-12-215-0597-9
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-0598-6
eISBN (epub)
979-12-215-0599-3
Series Title
Studi e saggi
Series ISSN
2704-6478
Series E-ISSN
2704-5919