Han dynasty

The Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), founded by Liu Bang, gave China's majority ethnic group its name. Under it, Confucianism became the state ideology and the way to the Silk Road was opened.

Overview

Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu) became King of Han in 206 BC and emperor in 202 BC after defeating Xiang Yu. The Western Han ruled from Chang’an; Wang Mang’s short Xin dynasty (AD 9–23) interrupted the line; the Eastern Han (25–220) ruled from Luoyang.

Key developments

Under Emperor Wu, Confucianism was made the state ideology, and Zhang Qian’s missions opened the way to the Silk Road. Sima Qian wrote the Shiji, and Cai Lun improved papermaking in AD 105.

End and transition

After the Yellow Turban Rebellion of 184, warlords carved up the empire. The last Han emperor abdicated to Cao Pi in 220.

Overview

Key developments

End and transition

Events

People