128 BCE
The Greco-Bactrian kingdom is overrun by the Tokhari. Having spent a year in Greater Yuezhi, the Han diplomat Zhang Qian begins his return journey to China, having failed to persuade Yuezhi's king to form an alliance against the Xiongnu. Passing by the Pamir, Kunlun, Altun and Qilian Mountains, he and his retinue are then captured by the Xiongnu and taken into custody. Artabanus I becomes king of Parthia (approximate date).
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
- Artabanus I becomes king of Parthia (approximate date)source
Conflict & Security
- In response to Han incursions, in 128 or 127 the Xiongnu invade northern China. They kill the governor of Liaoxi, defeat the governor of Yuyang, capture 2000 of the inhabitants of Liaoxi and Yuyang and defeat the Han general Han Anguo. Han Anguo and his cavalry force are surrounded in their camp but the arrival of relief forces coming from Yan causes the Xiongnu army to withdraw. The Xiongnu also invade Yanmen and kill or capture 1000 people.source
- The Han general Wei Qing, with an army of 30,000 cavalrymen, defeats a Xiongnu army north of Yanmen. The Han general Li Xi attacks the Xiongnu further to the east, riding out of Dai Prefecture.source
- The Greco-Bactrian kingdom is overrun by the Tokhari.source
- Having spent a year in Greater Yuezhi, the Han diplomat Zhang Qian begins his return journey to China, having failed to persuade Yuezhi's king to form an alliance against the Xiongnu. Passing by the Pamir, Kunlun, Altun and Qilian Mountains, he and his retinue are then captured by the Xiongnu and taken into custody.source
- Limenius composes the Second Delphic Hymn.source
Culture & Society
- Cn. Octavius and T. Annius Rufus are this year's consulssource
Births
- Liu Ju, Chinese prince of the Han dynasty (d. 91 BC)source