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Han Dynasty

Capital: Chang'an

History

The Han Dynasty was the second great empire of China, founded by Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu) after defeating Xiang Yu. It lasted for over 400 years and is considered a golden age in Chinese history.

During this time, paper was invented, the Silk Road was opened for trade, and Confucianism became the official state philosophy. It was so influential that even today, the majority ethnic group in China calls themselves the 'Han' people.

Territory

Related Wars

Related Civilizations

Cao Wei

The most powerful of the Three Kingdoms, formally established by Cao Pi, the son of Cao Cao. Wei controlled the populous heartland of northern China and possessed the strongest military and economic resources. It was eventually usurped by the Sima clan to become the Jin dynasty. A famous legend says that Cao Cao once dug up an ancient bronze bird in Ye, inspiring him to build the majestic Bronze Bird Terrace (Tongquetai) as a symbol of his grand ambition to conquer the world.

Chu (State)

A powerful state in the Yangtze valley during the Zhou dynasty, famous for its distinctive culture. During the Chu-Han Contention, it became the rallying identity for rebels against Qin.

Eastern Wu

Controlling the prosperous Jiangnan region, Eastern Wu relied on its supreme naval forces and the massive natural barrier of the Yangtze River to fend off northern invasions. It was founded by Sun Quan and was the final state to fall. A wildly popular legend vividly describes the massive Battle of Red Cliffs, claiming that Zhuge Liang miraculously 'borrowed the eastern wind' through mystical Taoist rituals, which allowed a massive allied fire attack to successfully annihilate Cao Cao's chained fleet.

Qin Dynasty

The Qin Dynasty was the first unified empire in Chinese history, founded by Qin Shi Huang after conquering all rival states. Although it lasted only 15 years, it brought massive changes to China. The emperor standardized writing, money, and weights and measures, and began building the Great Wall of China to defend against northern nomads. His legendary tomb is guarded by the famous Terracotta Army.

Shu Han

A state in southwestern China founded by Liu Bei, claiming legitimate succession to the Han dynasty. Though the smallest and weakest of the three, it waged relentless Northern Expeditions under Zhuge Liang's leadership. According to local folklore, the mountainous paths of Shu were so incredibly treacherous that even the legendary poet Li Bai later wrote 'the road to Shu is harder than climbing to heaven', a true testament to the natural fortress that protected the kingdom.

Western Chu

An empire declared by Xiang Yu after he divided the fallen Qin Dynasty into Eighteen Kingdoms.

Western Jin

The Western Jin dynasty, founded by Sima Yan, was the first dynasty to reunify China after the chaotic Three Kingdoms period. It ruled from 266 to 316 AD. Legend has it that the Sima clan's rise was foretold by celestial omens, and their victory over Eastern Wu in 280 AD was celebrated as the restoration of the Mandate of Heaven. However, the dynasty soon faced internal strife known as the War of the Eight Princes, which eventually led to its collapse and the beginning of the Sixteen Kingdoms era.

Xiongnu Empire

A nomadic confederation in the Eurasian Steppe that formed a powerful empire under Modu Chanyu.

Zhao (State)

A prominent state during the Warring States period of ancient China. After Qin's fall, it was temporarily revived by rebels, but soon became a major battleground during the Chu-Han Contention, notably at the Battle of Julu and the Battle of Jingxing.

Related People

Cao Cao

Warlord and Chancellor of the Eastern Han

Deng Ai

General of Cao Wei

Emperor Jing of Han

Emperor Wen of Han

Emperor Wu of Han

Seventh emperor of the Han dynasty

Han Xin

General

Huang Gai

Veteran General of Eastern Wu

Huo Qubing

Li Guang

Liu Bang

Emperor Gaozu of Han

Liu Bei

Warlord and founding emperor of Shu Han

Lu Bu

Invincible Warrior of the Era

Modu Chanyu

Sima Yi

Successor of Wei and Founder of Jin Dynasty

Sun Quan

Warlord and founding emperor of Eastern Wu

Wang Jun

General of Jin, Conqueror of Wu

Wang Zhaojun

Wei Qing

Xiang Yu

Hegemon-King of Western Chu

Zhang Qian

Zhou Yu

Grand Commander of Eastern Wu

Zhuge Liang

Chancellor of Shu Han