The Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty The Han

The Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty £The Han Dynasty lasted over 400 years from 206 B. C. to 220 A. D.

Han Contributions £The Han were great inventors. £They invented many new technologies. £In 132 AD, a Han inventor invented the world’s first seismograph, an instrument that measures earthquakes.

First seismograph

Seismograph Today

Papermaking £The Han probably made paper for the first time in 100 B. C. £The emperor found out about paper about 200 years later in 100 A. D.

Chinese paper

Han Art £The Han also developed the arts. £Landscape and portrait paintings were advanced. £Han authors wrote many essays and plays. £Han authors also wrote history, which is why we know about them.

Han Religions £The Han made Confucianism the official religion of China. £Han rulers also supported Daoism which teachers the key to happiness is accepting life as it is.

Chinese Trade £The Chinese product most in demand by other people was silk. £The trade route from China to Arabia and Europe takes its name from silk. It was called the Silk Road. £Traders traveled from China with silk. £They returned with lumber, horses, and other products the Chinese people needed.

Map of the Silk Road

The Silk Road £ The Chinese used the Silk Road to export their silk. £ Export means that they sent their goods to other lands to be sold. £ The Chinese also imported what they needed from other countries. £ Import means goods that are brought in. £ The Chinese made profits, or money gained, from their exporting on the Silk Road.