New archaeological discovers suggest that trade between Europe and Asiaalong the Silk Road probably began in someform. many countries earlier than once thought. The findings, coupled with a widening range of scientific and historical research could add a fascinating new page to the epicof the Silk Road. The farest and most surprising discovery ispieces of silk found in the hair of and Egyptian mummy from about 1000 BC, longbefore regular traffic on the Silk Road and at least one thousand years beforesilk was previously thought to be used in Egypt. Other research may extendhuman activity along this route back even further, perhaps a million years tothe migration of human ancestors into eastern Asia. The official origin of East-West commercealong the road is usually placed in the late 2 nd century BC whichwas the agent of the Chinese Emperor Wu-di returned from a dangerous secretmission （使命） across the desert into the remotehigh country of Central Asia. The agent, Zhang Qian, travelled as far as Afghanistan backknowledge of even more distant lands such as Persia , Syria and a place known as Lijion, . Histerents havecalled this one of the most important journeys in ancient times. His journeyopened the way for what have been thought to be the first indirect contactsbetween the ancient world’s two superpowers, China and Rome. Chinesesilk, first traded to central Asian tribes for war horses and to the Parthiansof old Pet la lu exchange for acrobats and ostrich eggs, was soon finding itsway through a network of merchants to the luxury markets in Rome. But the new discoveries show that Chinese silkwas apparently present in the West long before the Han emperor startedorganized trade over the Silk Road. Theresearch could change thinking about the early history of world trade andprovide insights into the mystery of just how and when Europe and theMediterranean lands first became aware of the glorious culture at the other endof Eurasia. 72. The word “coupled” in the first paragraphcould best be replaced by . A. produced       B. contributed      C. doubled        D. combined 73. The silk thread found in the hair of anEgyptian mummy suggests that . A. Egyptians had probably travelled to China to buy silk B. trade along the Silk Road began earlier than once thought C. historical research often achieves fascinatingresults D. new light can now be thrown on ancienttrading practices 74. Until recently most historians believedthat trade along the Silk Road . A. originated in the 2 nd century BC B. extended human migration into eastern Asia C. began a million years ago D. primarily benefited the Egyptians 75. Historians have always considered ZhangQian’s mission important because they believe . A. be brought back knowledge of Rome to the emperor B. be discovered the Silk Road C. be helped establish East-West trade D. be travelled as far as Afghanistan