Qin Shi Huangdi. 19th-century illustration / Wikimedia Commons

The abduction of Cai Wenji. Illustration to the poem Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute. Manuscript, 15th century. China / The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Statue of Modu Chanyu. Mongolia / Wikimedia Commons

Emperor Wu of Han. Illustration from the Album of Worthy Rulers. China, 18th century / Wikimedia Commons

The travel of Zhang Qian to the West. North wall fresco in Mogao Cave 323, 8th century. Found in the Collection of Mogao Caves / Getty Images

Flying Horse. Bronze statuette. China, Gansu Province. Han Empire period (2nd–3rd centuries CE). Similar depictions of horses spread in China after the introduction of horses from Central Asia, which were regarded as “heavenly” creatures. / Getty Images

The story of Jin Midi, a man of Xiongnu origin who served at the Han imperial court. Ink rubbings from stone reliefs, 2nd century CE, China / Wikimedia Commons

Xiongnu. Illustration to the poem Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute by the Chinese poet Cai Wenji. Manuscript, 15th century. China / The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Han Empire cavalry. Composition of bronze figurines. China, Gansu Province. 2nd–4th centuries CE. / Getty Images

Orlat plaque: scene of a mounted encounter involving Kangju horsemen. 1st–4th centuries CE. Uzbekistan / Wikimedia Commons

Orlat plaque: scene of a mounted encounter involving Kangju horsemen. 1st–4th centuries CE. Uzbekistan / Wikimedia Commons

Liu Xiu, Emperor of the Han dynasty. «Thirteen Emperors Scroll». China, 7th century / Wikimedia Commons