The Han Dynasty

ancient China · empire · golden age

Founded by Liu Bang. Liu Bang established the Han dynasty after the short-lived Qin dynasty ended. He defeated rivals during a period called the Chu-Han Contention to create a powerful new empire.

Two separate periods. The Han dynasty actually split into two parts: the Western Han and the Eastern Han. Together they lasted for hundreds of years, making it one of China's longest-lasting empires.

Named a golden age. Historians call the Han dynasty a golden age because it was such an important and successful time in Chinese history, with advances in culture, government, and innovation.

Modern China's connection. The Han dynasty was so influential that today, the largest ethnic group in China calls themselves the Han people, and their language and writing system are still called Han language and Han characters.

Interrupted by Xin dynasty. A regent named Wang Mang briefly took over and established his own Xin dynasty, interrupting Han rule for about 14 years before the Eastern Han was restored.