An ancient kingdom situated in the fertile Fergana Valley. It was highly prized for its agricultural wealth and was famously known in Chinese legends as 'Dayuan'.
According to legend, it was home to the 'Heavenly Horses' (horses that sweat blood), which Emperor Wu of Han desperately sought to build a powerful cavalry. In the 8th century, Fergana's dispute with Chach drew in the Tang dynasty, leading to the Battle of Talas.