Economy and Trade

Agrarian Economy

The Han dynasty had a predominantly agrarian economy based on peasant farming. Most people were farmers who grew crops like wheat, millet, and rice. The government closely watched and sometimes controlled key resources such as land, salt, and iron. These controls helped the state collect taxes, support the army, and stop powerful families from gaining too much economic power.

Trade and Long-Distance Exchange

Long-distance trade flourished during the Han dynasty with the opening and protection of the Silk Road routes. These routes linked China to Central Asia and beyond, allowing traders to exchange silk, horses, spices, precious metals, and other luxury goods. Trade brought new wealth into the empire and helped spread ideas, religions, and technologies between East and West.

Video: The Silk Road

Watch this video to get a visual overview of the first Silk Road and how it connected Han China with other civilizations.

The First Silk Road

The First Silk Road was established during the Han dynasty around 138 BCE under Emperor Wu. It began as a way to improve trade and diplomatic ties with regions to the west of China. The route grew out of the missions of Zhang Qian, an envoy sent to find allies against the nomadic Xiongnu tribes who threatened China's western borders.

Zhang Qian's journeys opened paths for trade caravans to travel from the Han capital of Chang'an through the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin into Central Asia and beyond. This network allowed for the exchange of valuable goods such as Chinese silk, which became highly prized as far away as Rome, along with horses, spices, and other luxury items.

To protect these routes, the Han dynasty fought and weakened the Xiongnu and built military garrisons and fortified towns along the corridor. This made travel safer for merchants and helped keep trade flowing. The Silk Road did more than move goods—it also helped spread religions, ideas, and technologies between different civilizations.

The Silk Road started in ancient Chinese capitals, crossed deserts and mountains, and branched out across Central Asia. It linked China with kingdoms in the West, the Middle East, and even the Mediterranean. Over time, it remained an important trade route and symbolized the Han dynasty's active foreign policy and military strength, since the trade routes needed constant protection to stay open.

In simple terms: the First Silk Road helped the Han dynasty connect with faraway places, sell its silk, and share ideas with other cultures while using its army to keep the roads safe.

Video: Silk

This video focuses on silk itself—one of the most important products traded along the Silk Road.