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The Han dynasty was a period of Chinese history from 206 BC to 220 AD, divided into Western, Eastern, and Xin (Western) Han. It was the first unified empire in China, with a lasting cultural and political influence on East Asia.
- Overview
- History of the Han dynasty
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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].)
Learn about the second great imperial dynasty of China (206 BCE–220 CE), founded by Liu Bang after the Qin dynasty. Explore its history, culture, Confucian ideology, and legacy in Chinese identity.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Dec 21, 2017 · Learn about the Han Dynasty, the second imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. Discover its achievements in Confucianism, trade, art and invention.
- Missy Sullivan
- 2 min
Jul 3, 2020 · Learn about the second imperial dynasty of China, founded by Liu Bang after the fall of Qin. Explore its achievements, culture, decline, and legacy in this comprehensive article.
- Joshua J. Mark
The Han dynasty ruled in an era of Chinese cultural consolidation, political experimentation, relative economic prosperity and maturity, and great technological advances. There was unprecedented territorial expansion and exploration initiated by struggles with non-Chinese peoples, especially the nomadic Xiongnu of the Eurasian Steppe.
1 day ago · 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).
Learn about the Han dynasty (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.), which reunified China and established Confucianism as the official orthodoxy. Explore the art, philosophy, literature, and trade of this period, as well as the Silk Road and the jade burial suits.
