张骞凿空西域前已存在“前丝绸之路” 这些“蜻蜓眼玻璃珠”就是佐证

Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences reveals that the "dragonfly eye glass beads" unearthed from four archaeological sites in Xinjiang are similar to those found in Hubei, indicating cultural exchanges along the "pre-Silk Road" before the Han Dynasty's establishment of the Silk Road [1][6]. Group 1: Archaeological Findings - The "dragonfly eye glass beads" are characterized by a layer of glass of different colors embedded in the base glass, creating a pattern resembling a dragonfly's compound eyes [1]. - These beads can be traced back to around the 16th century BC in ancient Egypt, with significant finds in regions like Hubei, Hunan, and Henan during the Spring and Autumn period [1]. - The four archaeological sites in Xinjiang, located in the Ili region along the Tianshan Mountains, have yielded a large number of these glass beads [3]. Group 2: Elemental Analysis - Initial major element analysis identified some beads as consistent with alkali glass, confirming their origin from the Levant region [3][6]. - Further trace element analysis and synchrotron radiation micro-CT imaging revealed similarities in color, shape, and manufacturing techniques between the beads from Xinjiang and those found in Hubei and Gansu [5]. Group 3: Cultural Exchange Implications - The findings suggest a trade route from the Mediterranean through the Hexi Corridor in Gansu to Hubei, indicating that material cultural exchanges occurred along this path prior to the establishment of the Silk Road [6]. - This research provides evidence of early cultural interactions and exchanges between the East and West, highlighting the significance of glass artifacts in understanding historical trade routes [6].