The Han dynasty

Question 1

The Han dynasty

Answer 1

• founded by Liu Bang (best known by his temple name, Gaozu), who assumed the title of emperor in 202 bce.
• In 9 ce the dynastic line was challenged by Wang Mang, who established his own regime under the title of Xin. In 25 ce the authority of the Han dynasty was reaffirmed by Liu Xiu (posthumous name Guangwudi), who reigned as Han emperor until 57.
• China’s first imperial dynasty, that of Qin, had lasted barely 15 years before its dissolution in the face of rebellion and civil war. By contrast, Han formed the first long-lasting regime that could successfully claim to be the sole authority entitled to wield administrative power.
• Since at least as early as the Shang dynasty, the Chinese had been accustomed to acknowledging the temporal and spiritual authority of a single leader and its transmission within a family, at first from brother to brother and later from father to son.