MajorEmperors of The Han Dynasty

Here are the major rulers of the Han Dynasty as mentioned below.

Emperor Gaozu

  • In 202 B.C., following a revolt and brief control by warlord Xiang Yu, Liu Bang became emperor of the Han Dynasty.
  • He chose Chang’an along the Wei River as the capital, using one of the surviving palaces from the Qin Dynasty.
  • Liu Bang took the name Emperor Gaozu, and this period was known as the Western Han, lasting until around 23 A.D.
  • Gaozu allowed some kingdoms to remain in Ancient China but replaced many kings with his own Liu family members to prevent rebellions.
  • Despite this, the Liu family kings often pursued their own ambitions, testing the strength of the empire.

Empress Lu Zhi

  • After Gaozu died, Empress Lu Zhi tried to seize control by killing some of Gaozu’s sons.
  • Lu Zhi also mutilated and killed her own mother and Gaozu’s favorite mistress, Lady Qi, throwing her body into a privy.
  • The power struggle lasted for 15 years until Gaozu’s son, Emperor Wan, killed Lu Zhi’s family and became emperor.

Read More: Opium Wars in China

Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE)

The Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE) was a major period in ancient China. It was the second dynasty that governed China around 100 years. Before the Han, there was the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). After the Han Dynasty, there was a period ruled over China that was called the Three Kingdoms (220-280 CE).

In this article, we are going to discuss the Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE) in detail.

Similar Reads

Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE) – Overview

...

Han Dynasty Timeline

Here is the major timeline of the Han Dynasty as mentioned below....

MajorEmperors of The Han Dynasty

Here are the major rulers of the Han Dynasty as mentioned below....

Divisions of The Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty got its name from the Han river valley, where Gao Zu was in charge. Gao Zu, unlike the earlier Qin rulers, supported Confucianism. He set up the government based on its ideas. In the Han Empire, different regions were ruled by officials chosen mostly for their abilities. To understand it in a better way, the dynasty can be divided into two periods as mentioned below....

Han Dynasty – Major Battles

Here are some major battles related to Han Dynasty as mentioned below....

Han Dynasty and Confucian Revival

Confucianism became popular among Han royalty around 135 B.C. during Emperor Wu’s early reign. Intellectuals like Fu Sheng preserved Confucian literature during the Qin Dynasty....

Han Dynasty and Silk Road

In 138 B.C., Emperor Wu sent Zhang Qian to contact tribes to the west. Zhang Qian was captured by the Xiognu tribe but managed to escape and continued westward. He reached Bactria (modern-day Afghanistan), which was under Greek control. Zhang Qian saw Chinese goods in Bactria and learned they came from a kingdom called Shendu in Afghanistan. Thirteen years later, Zhang Qian returned to the Emperor, sharing what he saw and mapped out a route for future expeditions. This route became the Silk Road, an important international trade route....

Han Dynasty and Art

Here are some details about the art of the Han Dynasty as mentioned below....

Facts on Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty, spanning from 206 BCE to 220 CE, was a pivotal period in Chinese history, characterized by significant developments in politics, economy, culture, and technology. Here are some key facts about the Han Dynasty:...

Fall of the Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty faced internal conflicts due to palace intrigue. In 189 A.D., a conflict erupted in the palace between the Empress Dowager’s family and the emperor’s eunuch allies. Adding to the turmoil were the Yellow Turbans, a religious cult aiming to start a civil war and establish their own dynasty. As tensions escalated, the military intervened, leading to a prolonged conflict until 220 A.D., when the last Han emperor was deposed, marking the end of the dynasty. The Six Dynasties Period (220 AD-589) followed, witnessing the rise of Daoism and Buddhism, which brought significant changes to China....

FAQs on Han Dynasty

What is the Han dynasty known for?...

Contact Us