张骞与汉代苜蓿引入考述

Textual research of the relationship between Zhang Qian and the introduction of alfalfa to China during the Han Dynasty

汉代输入苜蓿是确定无疑的,但是不是由张骞引入的在认识上还有分歧。本文在前人研究的基础上,采用考证归纳方法,从张骞通西域的背景、动机目的,乃至经历与影响,以及张骞带归苜蓿种子形象的产生等方面出发,对张骞与苜蓿引入的关系进行了考释梳理。到目前为止,对张骞引入苜蓿种子的看法主要有4种观点:(1)张骞引入苜蓿种子说;(2)张骞未引苜蓿种子说;(3)张骞传递苜蓿信息说;(4)张骞通西域纪念说。尽管目前还没有直接的史料可证明张骞就是取回苜蓿种子的汉使,但是有一点是可以肯定的,这就是苜蓿进入我国与张骞通西域密不可分。张骞从西域带回了大宛国盛产苜蓿的信息,为后来的"汉使取其实来,于是天子始种苜蓿"奠定了基础。或许在苜蓿进入我国的过程中,由于张骞带回来的信息,使汉朝知道了大宛国盛产苜蓿,并且是汗血宝马最爱吃的饲草,也正是有了这些信息作支撑,汉使才取回苜蓿种子。因此,不论张骞是否带回苜蓿种子,他在苜蓿传入我国的过程中功不可没。

Alfalfa （Medicago sativa） was introduced to China during the Han dynasty. There is divergence of opinion as to whether or not alfalfa was introduced by Zhang Qian. The relationship between Zhang Qian and alfalfa introduction was analyzed from the motivation, experience and influence of Zhang Qian during exploration of the Western Regions and the possibility that Zhang Qian brought back alfalfa’s seeds. There are four opinions regarding the idea that Zhang Qian introduced alfalfa to China. They are： （1） Zhang Qian introduced alfalfa; （2） Zhang Qian didn’t introduce alfalfa; （3） Zhang Qian transferred information on alfalfa; （4） Introduction of alfalfa was attributed to Zhang Qian in commemoration of his exploration of Western Regions. Although there is no direct historical evidence to prove that Zhang Qian introduced alfalfa to China during the Han dynasty, it is clear that there was a close relationship between Zhang Qian’s activities and alfalfa introduction to China. Information about Zhang Qian bringing alfalfa to China from Western Regions was the basis of the saying that the Chinese brought alfalfa seed and the emperor planted alfalfa. During the time alfalfa was being introduced to China, Zhang Qian provided useful information on its culture; “It was known that during the Han dynasty that alfalfa was planted in Dawan. Alfalfa was important forage for Ferghana horses.” Zhang Qian’s activities played a major part in the introduction of alfalfa to China.