Editing Dunhuang (section)

===[[Han dynasty]]===
By the third century BC, the area became dominated by the [[Xiongnu]], but came under Chinese rule during the [[Han dynasty]] after [[Emperor Wu of Han|Emperor Wu]] [[Han–Xiongnu War|defeated the Xiongnu in 121 BC]].

Dunhuang was one of the four frontier [[garrison]] towns (along with [[Jiuquan]], [[Zhangye]] and [[Wuwei, Gansu|Wuwei]]) established by the Emperor Wu after the defeat of the Xiongnu, and the Chinese built fortifications at Dunhuang and sent settlers there.  The name Dunhuang, meaning "Blazing Beacon", refers to the beacons lit to warn of attacks by marauding nomadic tribes.  Dunhuang Commandery was probably established shortly after 104 BC.<ref>Hulsewé, A. F. P. (1979). China in Central Asia: The Early Stage 125 BC – AD 23: an annotated translation of chapters 61 and 96 of the History of the Former Han Dynasty. Leiden, E. Brill, . pp.75–76 {{ISBN|90-04-05884-2}}</ref>  Located in the western end of the [[Hexi Corridor]] near the historic junction of the [[Northern Silk Road|Northern]] and Southern [[Silk Road]]s, Dunhuang was a town of military importance.<ref>Hill (2015), Vol. I, pp. 137–140.</ref><blockquote>"The Great Wall was extended to Dunhuang, and a line of fortified beacon towers stretched westwards into the desert. By the second century AD Dunhuang had a population of more than 76,000 and was a key supply base for caravans that passed through the city: those setting out for the arduous trek across the desert loaded up with water and food supplies, and others arriving from the west gratefully looked upon the mirage-like sight of Dunhuang's walls, which signified safety and comfort. Dunhuang prospered on the heavy flow of traffic. The first Buddhist caves in the Dunhuang area were hewn in 353."<ref>Bonavia (2004), p. 162.</ref></blockquote>