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The Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) was a period of Imperial China divided into the Western Han (206 BCE – 9 CE) and Eastern Han (25–220 CE) periods, when the capital cities were located at Chang'an and Luoyang, respectively.
- Overview
- History of the Han dynasty
The Han dynasty was the second great imperial dynasty of China (206 BCE–220 CE), after the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE). It succeeded the Qin dynasty (221–207 BCE). The Han dynasty had a dominant effect on Chinese history and culture, and its governmental, cultural, and technological achievements were emulated by the dynasties that followed.
What is the Han dynasty known for?
The Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) is known its long reign and its achievements, which included the development of the civil service and government structure; scientific advancements such as the invention of paper, use of water clocks and sundials to measure time, and development of a seismograph; the Yuefu, which compiled descriptions of music; the Shiji, a history written by Sima Qian; the fu, a poetic form; and lacquerwork and woven silk.
When was the Han dynasty founded?
The Han dynasty was founded in 206 BCE by Liu Bang, who led the revolt against the repressive policies of the preceding Qin dynasty and became the Gaozu emperor (reigned 206–195 BCE).
How did the Han dynasty fall?
The dynasty was founded by Liu Bang, later the Gaozu emperor (reigned 206–195 bce), a man of humble birth who led the revolt against the repressive policies of the preceding short-lived Qin dynasty. The Han copied the highly centralized Qin administrative structure, dividing the country into a series of administrative areas ruled by centrally appointed officials and developing a salaried bureaucracy in which promotion was based primarily on merit. Unlike the Qin, however, the Han adopted a Confucian ideology that emphasized moderation, virtue, and filial piety and thereby masked the authoritarian policies of the regime.
So successful was that policy that the Han lasted longer than any other Chinese empire, reigning—with a short interruption when Wang Mang temporarily usurped the throne and established the Xin dynasty (9–25 ce)—for more than 400 years. Eleven members of the Liu family followed in the Gaozu emperor’s place until 6 ce (a 12th briefly occupied the throne as a puppet). In 25 ce the authority of the Han dynasty was reaffirmed by Liu Xiu (posthumous name Guangwudi), who reigned as Han emperor until 57. Thirteen of his descendants maintained the dynastic succession until 220, when the rule of a single empire was replaced by that of three separate kingdoms. (See Three Kingdoms [Sanguo].)
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Dec 21, 2017 · The Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. and was the second imperial dynasty of China. It promoted Confucianism, opened the Silk Road, and invented paper, among other achievements that influenced Chinese culture and the world.
- Missy Sullivan
- 2 min
Jul 3, 2020 · The Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE) was the second dynasty of Imperial China (the era of centralized, dynastic government, 221 BCE - 1912 CE) which established the paradigm for all succeeding dynasties...
- Joshua J. Mark
- Mark Cartwright
- The Silk Road. The Han Dynasty saw the first official trade with western cultures from around 130 BCE. Many types of goods from foodstuffs to manufactured luxuries were traded, and none were more typical of ancient China than silk.
- Philosophy & Education. Confucianism was officially adopted as the state ideology of the Han dynasty but, in practice, principles of Legalism were followed too, which created a philosophical blend aimed at ensuring the welfare of all based on strong legal principles.
- Literature. The earliest surviving literature from ancient China dates to the Han period, although the possibility that earlier writings were deliberately destroyed or have simply been lost over time is not to be discounted.
- Art. The stability provided by the Han government and consequent accumulation of wealth by its more fortunate citizens resulted in a flourishing of the arts.
The Han dynasty[ a ] was an imperial dynasty of China (202 BC – 9 AD, 25–220 AD) established by Liu Bang and ruled by the House of Liu. The dynasty was preceded by the short-lived Qin dynasty (221–206 BC) and a warring interregnum known as the Chu–Han contention (206–202 BC), and it was succeeded by the Three Kingdoms period (220 ...
History of China - The Han dynasty: The Han dynasty was founded by Liu Bang (best known by his temple name, Gaozu), who assumed the title of emperor in 202 bce. Eleven members of the Liu family followed in his place as effective emperors until 6 ce (a 12th briefly occupied the throne as a puppet).
