Western Regions

The Western Regions otherwise known as the Protectorate of the Western Regions and the Anxi Grand Protectorate, was a protectorate of China that existed between 2nd century BCE and 8th century CE. It covered the Tarim Basin and was under the control of the Han and Tang dynasties respectively. The areas of the protectorate were located west of the Yumen Pass and were chiefly comprised of independent city-states and kingdoms such as Karashar and the Western Turkic Khaganate. The Western Regions were led by the Protector-General, whose responsibility was to serve as an administrator for China's vassals in the area. Additionally, the regions were home to the Four Garrisons of Anxi, which were military garrisons established by the Tang dynasty between 648 and 658 CE. It was also the site of the Battle of Talas, a military engagement between the Tang dynasty and the Abbasid Caliphate which resulted in a victory for the latter due to Karluk mercenaries betraying their allies.

After the An Lushan Rebellion had ended, the Western Regions were cut from the rest of China by the Tibetan Empire, leaving them to fend for themselves from the hostile invaders. Eventually, the protectorate and its garrisons were destroyed by the Tibetans in 790.

The Chinese poet Li Bai was from the Western Regions and personally knew the presence of the Hidden Ones in his hometown of Suyab.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Dynasty