Civilization · Classical antiquity · Han dynasty

Han dynasty

206 BCE–220 CE

The Han dynasty ruled China for four centuries and set the pattern for all later dynasties. It made Confucianism the state creed, opened the Silk Road, and invented paper. Its fall in 220 CE split China for centuries.

Facts

Founded: 206 BCE, Liu Bang founded the dynasty after Qin's fall.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Han dynasty
Ended: 220 CE, the last emperor deposed; China split into Three Kingdoms.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Han dynasty
Heartland: China, capitals Chang'an and Luoyang.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Han dynasty
Major rulers: Emperor Wu, who expanded the empire and made Confucianism official.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Han dynasty

Images

Han dynasty tomb art, from the age that set China's pattern. (Wikimedia Commons)

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