The Han Dynasty 206 BC220 AD The Rise

The Han Dynasty 206 BC-220 AD

The Rise of a New Dynasty • Liu Bang - a peasant who became emperor (Became emperor in large part because of Mandate of Heaven) • He won people’s loyalty & trust (Who would like Liu Bang? )

Liu Bang • Eliminated harsh gov’t • Lowers taxes • Made punishments less severe • Gave land to supporters • Educated officials helped him rule

Confucianism- teaching of Confucius, great Chinese philosopher and teacher It emphasizes: 1. Respect for elders 2. Loyalty toward family 3. Obedience to authority (Confucianism could get you a good job, if you passed an exam you could work for the gov’t)

Wudi creates a new gov’t -Han ruler Wudi created a stronger gov’t by making Confucianism government philosophy

Han Social Structure Emperor/Scholars Peasants/Farmers (90% of Pop. ) Artisans Merchants (What is odd about this arrangement? )

Chinese Family During the Han Dynasty • -Father as head of family with absolute power – Respect for elders – Honor ancestors – Males are more valuable than females

Inventions and Advances Sundial- device that uses the position of shadows cast by sun to tell time Seismograph- device that measures strength of earthquakes Paper –made by grinding plant fibers into a paste then letting it dry in sheets

Chinese Medicine Illness = imbalance in Yin & Yang Herbs – used to treat illnesses, made into soups Qi (chi) – “life force” or energy in the body Acupuncture- practice of inserting fine needles through skin to cure disease or relieve pain