Han dynasty conquered Nanyue during the reign of Emperor Wu and immediately opened the first long‑distance maritime route linking the southern coast of China directly with the Indian Ocean. Departing from ports in the Beibu Gulf, fleets sailed down the Indochinese Peninsula, passed the Malay Peninsula, and ultimately reached South Asia, forming a route characterised by increasingly stable operations. This maritime corridor facilitated the exchange of goods and promoted peaceful diplomacy and cultural exchange, serving as an important complement to the overland Silk Road and shaping the maritime dimension of Han dynasty’s engagement with the wider world.

A collection of relics closely related to the Maritime Silk Road trade are highlighted in ‘The Majestic Han’ exhibition, including the silver box with garlic pattern which fully reflects the Persian culture, the gold floral studs which witness the granulation technique that originates from the west, incense burner which was used for burning spice from overseas regions, as well as beads from the South and Southeast Asia, etc. Let’s follow the footstep of Professor WEI Jun to discover more about these imported goods.

Remarks on the enrolment and event

The life of Liu He, the Marquis of Haihun, was marked by extraordinary twists of fate. During his lifetime, he successively held four distinct statuses: feudal king, emperor, former king and marquis. His rise and fall were dramatic, and he remains the only figure in Chinese history to embody the identities of ‘emperor, king and marquis’ within a single lifetime. A large number of exquisite relics were excavated from Liu He’s tomb, some of them are featured at ‘The Majestic Han’ exhibition, including gold niaoti hoof, gold linzhi hoof, five thousand Wuzhu bronze coins, openwork jade pendant with dragon, phoenix and tiger motif, bronze lamp with wild goose and fish motifs, etc. They reflect the magnificent style of Liu He’s family, and superior craftsmanship of the Han dynasty.

Ms. ZHANG LI and Ms. JIANG Jun, tutors from the Nanchang Relic Museum of Marquis Haihun State of Han Dynasty will introduce the excavation process of the tomb of Liu He, the Marquis of Haihun, as well as the exquisite relics unearthed. Besides, they will distribute archaeological blind boxes to the participants for providing hand-on experience, as well as sharing the fun of being archaeologist throughout the process.

Remarks on the enrolment and event

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