Weilüe

The Weilüe (魏略), meaning "A Brief History of the Wei," is a historical text written by Yu Huan (魚豢) during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history (220–280 CE). Yu Huan served under the Cao Wei state, and his Weilüe provides insights into the history and geography of regions beyond the direct control of Wei, particularly the Western Regions (Central Asia) and other areas bordering the Wei state.

The original text of the Weilüe is lost, but significant portions have been preserved within Pei Songzhi's (裴松之) annotations to the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) by Chen Shou (陳壽). Pei Songzhi, living centuries later, considered the Weilüe to be a valuable source of information not included in Chen Shou's more official history.

The surviving fragments of the Weilüe are primarily valued for:

• Information on the Western Regions: It provides details about the various kingdoms, customs, and trade routes of Central Asia during the 3rd century CE. This information is crucial for understanding the interactions between China and the wider world during this period. It offers descriptions of states such as Daqin (Roman Empire), as well as other less well-documented polities.
• Alternative perspectives: The Weilüe sometimes presents different accounts or interpretations of events compared to the Sanguozhi, offering a more nuanced understanding of the Three Kingdoms period.
• Geographical information: It contains descriptions of distant lands and their resources, which contribute to our knowledge of ancient geography and trade networks.

The Weilüe, despite its fragmentary state, remains an important source for historians studying the Three Kingdoms period, particularly those interested in the history and culture of Central Asia and the relations between China and the West.