The Han dynasty was one of the greatest dynasties of Ancient China and was often known as the Golden Age of Ancient China. During the rule of the Han dynasty, Ancient China was a nation of peace and prosperity and most of their culture was established. It lasted between 206 BC and 220 AD, beginning at the overthrow of the Qin dynasty and followed by the Three Kingdoms Period.
The Han dynasty was established in 206 BC when the peasants of Ancient China overthrew the Qin Emperor. The peasants were led by Liu Bang. Once the Qin Emperor were killed, there was a four year war against Liu Bang and his rival, Xiang Yu. Liu Bang eventually won the war and changed his name to Han Gaozu which began the Han Dynasty.
During the Han Dynasty there was a lot of inventing, science and advancements. One of the first things Emperor Gaozu did was gather educated men to assist him in ruling Ancient China. In the years to follow, the Han Emperors established examinations and schools, ensuring that only the most intelligent people would run the government. this method lasted for 2000 years. One of the most significant inventions was paper, allowing the government to keep records and pass down information.
During this era the Ancient Chinese invented the following:
Life in Ancient China was different for the poor and the wealthy. Many of the people lived in cities and life for the rich was for those that had big, finely decorated houses. For the poor peasants on the other hand, life was a struggle in the city as they had crowded houses and it was not rare for them to go with out food. In the city the lives of peasants were a bit better and although they had to work hard, they usually lived with food and shelter.
During the Han Dynasty, the taxes were reduced. However, merchants were made to pay higher taxes and wear white clothing as they were not respected, on the other hand, merchants were very rich. People who tilled the soil were usually well respected.
Did you know...
The Han dynasty was established in 206 BC when the peasants of Ancient China overthrew the Qin Emperor. The peasants were led by Liu Bang. Once the Qin Emperor were killed, there was a four year war against Liu Bang and his rival, Xiang Yu. Liu Bang eventually won the war and changed his name to Han Gaozu which began the Han Dynasty.
During the Han Dynasty there was a lot of inventing, science and advancements. One of the first things Emperor Gaozu did was gather educated men to assist him in ruling Ancient China. In the years to follow, the Han Emperors established examinations and schools, ensuring that only the most intelligent people would run the government. this method lasted for 2000 years. One of the most significant inventions was paper, allowing the government to keep records and pass down information.
During this era the Ancient Chinese invented the following:
- iron casting
- crop rotation
- acupuncture
- medicine
- mathematics
- building
- agriculture
- engineering
- astronomy
Life in Ancient China was different for the poor and the wealthy. Many of the people lived in cities and life for the rich was for those that had big, finely decorated houses. For the poor peasants on the other hand, life was a struggle in the city as they had crowded houses and it was not rare for them to go with out food. In the city the lives of peasants were a bit better and although they had to work hard, they usually lived with food and shelter.
During the Han Dynasty, the taxes were reduced. However, merchants were made to pay higher taxes and wear white clothing as they were not respected, on the other hand, merchants were very rich. People who tilled the soil were usually well respected.
Did you know...
- During the Han dynasty, the Silk Road was created, which allowed trade between China and Europe
- Buddhism first came to China in this dynasty
- The first emperors name (Gaozu) means 'High Ancestor'
- Emperor Gaozu named his palace 'Lasting Joy'
- There were 20 ranks of status during the Han dynasty
This image depicts Tang Yan's artwork of one of the Han Emperors, Emperor Guangwu who ruled from 25- 57 AD
This map displays the land that the Han Dynasty had ownership of.