The Han Dynasty of China:A Chinese Golden Age

(206 BCE-220 CE)©

Historical Setting of the Han

Followed the Qin dynastyRebel general, Liu

Bang, gained control of China following years of fighting after the fall of the Qin Dynasty

Came from a poor family

Reuniting and Expanding China

Encouraged learning Lowered taxesExpanding China

Wudi (5th Han Emperor) send armies to conquer lands in Central Asia

Less harsh punishmentsKept many of Qin laws Confucian advisors encouraged rulers to

set an example of mercy and proper behavior

WudiWudi lived 141-87 BCEUsed warfare to expand the Chinese empire

Northern steppesBorders under Wudi nearly what they are

today

Structure of Government

Strong central government Followed the example of Qin Noblemen remained weak

Organized like a pyramid Emperor and chief advisors Officials to monitor progressTowns and villages

Civil Service under the HanCivil service= system of government

employees selected for skills and knowledge

Civil service examsConfucian principles described the qualities

that emperors wanted in civil servantsWudi set up a Confucian-themed schoolFormal examinations in Confucianism, history,

law, and literature for civil service positionsOfficials could not serve in their home districts Theoretically a merit-based system

But poor could not afford to educate their children

Silk Roads under the Han• Trade routes across Asia on land

– To Mediterranean (access to Europe) in the west

• Chinese silks were sold in the marketplaces of the ancient Roman empire

• Traded silk and other goods• Cultural diffusion

• Also a path for the spread of ideas

Han Society

Based on Confucian valuesValued mental work over physical

laborFarmers were respected because they

produced important basic goodsArtisans valued for skill and hard

work

Social Classes under the Han

Han Family Life

Confucian teachings about family loyalty and respect for elders were key values

Legal code also enforced Confucian valuesParents could report children who did

not behave with filial piety

Agriculture under the Han

• Farmers were the backbone of China’s economy • 90% of the population • “Agriculture is the foundation of the

world. No duty is greater”

• Most farms in Han China were small • Wheat, millet, barley, beans and rice

Industry

Iron and salt became and important industries during Han China Became so important Wudi turned

them into state monopoliesMonopolies brought in money which

helped fund military adventures

Achievements under the Han Science

Herbal medicinesAcupuncture

ArtCalligraphy Lacquer

Inventions Seismometer Wheelbarrow PaperSeismometer

Unification of the Han Empire

Important Terms to Know

CE= Common Era We live in 2015 CE

BCE= Before Common EraThe Qin Dynasty ended in 207 BCE

AD= After Death We live in 2015 AD

BC= Before Christ The Qin Dynasty ended in 207 BC