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New archaeological discovers suggest that trade between Europe and Asia along the Silk Road probably
began in some form many countries earlier than once thought. The findings,coupledwith a widening range
of scientific and historical research could add a fascinating new page to the epic of the Silk Road.
The latest and most surprising discovery is pieces of silk found in the hair of and Egyptian mummy from
about 1000 BC, long before regular traffic on the Silk Road and at least one thousand years before silk was
previously thought to be used in Egypt. Other research may extend human activity along this route back even
further, perhaps a million years to the migration of human ancestors into eastern Asia.
The official origin of East-West commerce along the road is usually placed in the late 2nd century BC
which was the agent of the Chinese Emperor Wu-di returned from a dangerous secret mission (使命) across
the desert into the remote high country of Central Asia. The agent, Zhang Qian, travelled as far as Afghanistan
back knowledge of even more distant lands such as Persia, Syria and a place known as Lijien, perhaps Rome.
Historians have called this one of the most important journeys in ancient times. His journey opened the way
for what have been thought to be the first indirect contacts between the ancient world's two superpowers,
China and Rome. Chinese silk, first traded to central Asian tribes for war horses and to the Parthians of old
Persia in exchange for acrobats and ostrich eggs, was soon finding its way through a network of merchants
to the luxury markets in Rome.
But the new discoveries show that Chinese silk was apparently present in the West long before the Han
emperor started organized trade over the Silk Road. The research could change thinking about the early history
of world trade and provide insights into the mystery of just how and when Europe and the Mediterranean lands
first became aware of the glorious culture at the other end of Eurasia.
1. The word "coupled" in the first paragraph could best be replaced by _____.
A. produced
B. contributed
C. doubled
D. combined
2. The silk thread found in the hair of an Egyptian mummy suggests that _____.
A. Egyptians had probably travelled to China to buy silk
B. trade along the Silk Road began earlier than once thought
C. historical research often achieves fascinating results
D. new light can now be thrown on ancient trading practices
3. Until recently most historians believed that trade along the Silk Road _____.
A. originated in the 2nd century BC
B. extended human migration into eastern Asia
C. began a million years ago
D. primarily benefited the Egyptians
4. Historians have always considered Zhang Qian's mission important because they believe _____.
A. be brought back knowledge of Rome to the emperor
B. be discovered the Silk Road
C. be helped establish East-West trade
D. be travelled as far as Afghanistan

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