Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty was a powerful empire in ancient China that lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE. It started when a man named Liu Bang, who was once a peasant, became the first emperor after defeating the harsh Qin rulers. The Han Dynasty is very important because it helped make Chinese culture and government stronger and more organized. During this time, many great inventions like paper were made, and the famous Silk Road was created to trade goods like silk between China and other parts of the world. The Han Dynasty is often called a "golden age" because it was a time of peace, growth, and many achievements in art, science, and technology. It set the foundation for Chinese society, and even today, most Chinese people call themselves "Han" after this dynasty. The ideas of Confucianism became very important during this time, shaping how people lived and were ruled, making the Han Dynasty one of the most influential periods in Chinese history.

Click a topic below to explore notes, videos, and key ideas for each area.

Need vocabulary help? Visit the Glossary for definitions of key terms.