Liu bei

Western Han Dynasty from 206 BCE to 101 BCE: The Formative Years

  • The Han Dynasty Expands
    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.
  • War of the Heavenly Horses
    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.
  • The Han Great Wall
    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.
  • Zhang Qian & The Opening of the Silk Road
    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.
  • Emperor Wudi & Confucian Imperial Examination
    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.
  • Rise of Emperor Wen
    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.
  • Liu Bang Dies & Lu Zhi Attempts to Conquer
    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..
  • Establishment of the Capital
    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
  • Liu Bang Conquers the Qin Dynasty
    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