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101
The Han Dynasty Expands
Emperor Wudi becomes one of the most successful military emperors up until this point in Chinese history. He hads numeroud territories to his kingdom, which includes souther China, Vietnam, and Korea. Wudi assures the success and stability of the empire through his military efforts. It is this time period between 100 and 101 BCE that is usually regarded as the point where Han power is ultimately consolidated. -
104
War of the Heavenly Horses
Li Guangli forces the city of Da Yuan to capitulate to the Han Dynasty. Da Yuan had a breed of horse the Chinese needed to ride to effectively wipe out the barbarian nomads. Because of this, after Da Yuan lost, they took not only half of their horses, but also a ton of gold. This was seen as an unparalleled victory by Emperor Wudi, who even promoted Li Guangli because of his cunning and character. -
114
The Han Great Wall
What would a timeline on Chinese history be if it did not refer to the Great Wall? The Han add to the foritifications on the Great Wall and made sure barbarian tribes would not be able to come in so easily around the western part of the Great Wall. -
138
Zhang Qian & The Opening of the Silk Road
Emperor Wudi sends the explorer Zhang Qian on expeditions to Central Asia. Qian and his fellow travelers establish contact with Hellenistic peoples, leading to the beginnings of the Silk Road. -
141
Emperor Wudi & Confucian Imperial Examination
Emperor Wudi takes over the Han Dynasty, presiding over an examination of Confucian scholars, starting a Confucian academy, and eventually presiding over the establishmen of the Confucian Imperial Examination System. -
180
Rise of Emperor Wen
Emperor Wen, fifth emperor of the Han Dynasty, takes the throne and re-establishes order after his father's death had led to a rebellion in the early Han Dynasty. Emperor Wen lightens taxes, promotes development, and seeks to create a more stable empire. -
195
Liu Bang Dies & Lu Zhi Attempts to Conquer
After her husband Liu Bang dies, his empress and chief consort, Lu Zhi, tries to take over the empire for herself in lieu of a male successor. This creates a fifteen year period of strife.. -
202
Establishment of the Capital
As the new emperor, Liu Bang, now known as Emperor Gaozu, establishes the new capital of the Han Dynasty, Chang'an -
206
Liu Bang Conquers the Qin Dynasty
Liu Bang, a peasant, leads a rebellion against the oppressive Qin Dynasty. After a series of battles, he seizes the capital and ends Qin rule. -
Period: 206 to 220
Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 9 CE): Liu Bang's Legacy of Peace
