Ban Chao (32–102 CE), courtesy name Zhongsheng, was born in Xianyang, Shaanxi, and the younger brother of the famous historian, Ban Gu (32–92 CE) who, with his father Ban Biao, and sister, Ban Zhao, wrote the famous Hanshu, or 'History of the Former Han Dynasty'.

Ban Chao is a general and cavalry commander in charge of the administration of the "Western Regions" (Central Asia) during the Eastern Han dynasty.

He repels the Xiongnu and secures Chinese control over the Tarim Basin region, and is awarded the title of 'Protector General of the Western Regions'.

He fights for 31 years.