The Han Dynasty of China A Chinese Golden

The Han Dynasty of China: A Chinese Golden Age (206 BCE-220 CE)

Political • China was ruled by Dynasties – Qin were first but lost the mandate of Heaven – Han came second • Strong centralized government – Government was efficient – All bureaucrats had to pass difficult tests

Economic • Agriculture was considered very important • Trade was not respected but was still very important – Traded with Roman Empire VIA Silk Road • Government had Monopolies on most businesses (Silk, Mining, Alcohol)

Economic - Silk Road

Religious • Two sets of ideas influenced Chinese religions – Confucianism: Harmony comes from respecting elders and the Emperor – Daoism: Happiness is accepting life as it is • Schools taught these ideas to all people to unify the lands of Han China

Social

Intellectual • Many Inventions including: – – – Seismograph Paper Water Wheel Improved Plow Collar Harness

Artistic • Landscape and portrait paintings were advanced • Han authors wrote many essays, plays and histories (which is why we know so much about them)

Early Chinese Dynasties • Xia – 2205 B. C. – 1766 B. C. Post Neolithic • Shang - 1766 B. C. to 1172 B. C. • Zhou - 1172 B. C. to 256 B. C. • Qin - 221 B. C. to 206 B. C. • Han - 201 B. C. to 221 A. D.

Chinese Civilizations: Han Dynasty Silk Road

Section 3 Han Emperors in China 206 BC– 220 AD

Founded by Han Gaozu

Chinese Civilizations: Han Dynasty (207 B. C. – 200 A. D. ) • • • Confucianism returns – Buddhism arrives Golden age of China Strict rules were modified Confucian concepts were established Imperial-style government developed by the Ch’in dynasty was kept • Han Dynasty was known for military prowess • Creativity – – Paper was invented Collar harness Wheelbarrow Great canals to link rivers for trade and transportation were created – Art flourished

• Promoted Confucianism • Est. Civil Service • Began “Silk Road” • “Pax Sinica” (Wudi) • Built a University • Technological Developments

Chinese Civilizations: Han Dynasty Silk Road

Trade Route to Roman Empire

Han – Roman Empire Connection

Two Great Empires: Han China and Rome Han Dynasty – 202 B. C. to A. D. 220 Roman Empire – 27 BC to AD 476 • Empire replaced rival kingdoms • Centralized, bureaucratic gov. • Built roads and defensive walls • Conquered many diverse peoples. • Chinese – written language • Ongoing conflict – nomads • Fell, restored 618 by • Empire replaced republic • Centralized, bureaucratic gov. • Built roads and defensive walls • Conquered many diverse peoples. – 3 continents • Latin – did not replace other written languages • Ongoing conflict – nomads • Empire fell never restored.