The Silk Road went from east to west, starting in Chang’an (Xian) and ending at the Mediterranean. This route brought the Roman Empire and China together. Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty started the Silk Road. The Silk Road continuously grew throughout the Han Dynasty. From 139 BC to 129 BC people started using this route to travel to the west. In 60 BC the Protectorate of the Western Regions was created. This was to oversee and protect the northwest area. Famous voyagers, Ban Yong and Ban Chao led several journeys to the western regions to maintain peace and ensure trade. The Silk Road reached its peak of prosperity during the Tang Dynasty. In 1271 the Mongolian ruler, Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty in present Beijing. Khan destroyed a large amount of toll gates and stopped the corruption. He made it more convenient, easier and safer. The Yuan Dynasty was the last flourishing period. Some famous travelers were Ban Chao, Ban Yong, Marco Polo, Zhang Qian, Fu Jiezi and Xuanzang.