How far were the two great empires of the first century AD, Rome and Han China aware of each other? I know there was trade between them but did they really know who was on the opposite end of the silk road? Are there any ancient sources discussing this or modern scholars who have written about this?
I am not discouraging any answers coming in, but I think you'd enjoy looking over the relevant part of the FAQ. Also, /u/shlin28 wrote a fantastic answer about the Roman knowledge of China after the "fall" of the Empire and I highly recommend reading it.