When did the Roman Empire (or Republic) became aware of the Chinese Han Empire ?

by TheHollowApe

I read how China was frequently referenced in Latin and Greek texts as the Land of the Silk, when the Silk Road began to take shape between the two Empires. When did those two Empires became truly aware of eachother's existence (not as simple myths), and what account can I read about eachother's views, both in Latin/Greek and Chinese ?

Dinocrocodile