Important People
Liu Bang (founder of the Han dynasty)
The Han Dynasty was formed by Emperor Gaozu known as Liu Bang from 206 BC - 24 AD. Liu Bang was born into a peasant family and was once a leader of the peasant insurrections in the Qin Dynasty. Once the Qin Emperor was killed, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were at war. Xiang Yu was a military leader and a political figure, also from the fallen Qin Dynasty. For four years the war went on, ending with Liu Bang's victory. After defeating Xiang Yu, Liu Bang became emperor and established the Han Dynasty. Shortly after the empire was formed, he established Chang'an as his capital city. Liu Bang then became known as Emperor Gaozu.
Liu ch'e (Longest-ruling Emperor)
The longest ruling Han emperor was Liu Ch'e, commonly known as Wu Ti, who ruled from 140 B.C. to 87 B.C. Wu Ti extended the Han ruling north to present-day Manchuria and Korea, west to central Asia, and south to Southwest Asia. Wu Ti was able to set up a successful, safe, and peaceful trade route, sending Chinese silk and other things across Asia in exchange for gold, this route was called the Silk Road. Wu Ti also set up the first university in China, but it only allowed intelligent young men to attend. In 111 B.C. and 108 B.C., Wu Ti invaded Northern Vietnam and Korea making them a part of the Han Empire. Emperor Liu Ch'e died in 87 B.C.
Zhang Heng (Scientist and Astronomer)
Zhang Heng was known for being a Chinese astronomer, inventor, as well as many other things. He was born during the Eastern Han dynasty and was educated in the philosophy of Confucianism. Zhang focused on literature and was trained as a writer for ten years. However, it wasn't until he was thirty years old when he realize that his true passion was in science and astronomy. He was appointed as an official in the emperor's court in 116 A.D. He soon created what we know today as the Seismograph. In 139 A.D. Zhang Heng died.
Han Xin (the Most famous han general)
Han Xin grew up very poor because both his parents died when he was very young. He had a great passion for being a successful and an important person one day. Therefore, he studied very hard in military tactics and procedures. Han Xin later in life was not noticed as he should have been. He tried giving the emperor advice, however, he would not listen. Liu Bang's Prime Minister realized how intelligent he was. Soon after, Han Xin started leading armies and teaching new military tactics. He led several victories for the Han Empire. Several years later, he was put under house arrest. Emperor Lu and the Prime Minister executed him on the false charge of conspiracy against state.
Ban chao (political Officer and Soldier)
Ban Chao was a political officer in the Eastern Han Dynasty in his early years. When the invasions of nomads began, Ban Chao gave up his position and became a soldier. Ban Chao fought to many victories and was able to become allies with countries in the west. This led to the creation of peace with China. Ban Chao died in 102 A.D.