This episode of Thrones of Power: Empires That Changed the World explores the Han Dynasty, which followed the collapse of the Qin and became one of China’s longest and most influential dynasties. Founded by Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu) in 206 BCE, the Han balanced centralized rule with Confucian philosophy, creating a model of governance that shaped China for millennia.Under Emperor Wu, the dynasty expanded its borders to Korea, Vietnam, and Central Asia, defeating the Xiongnu and opening the Silk Road, which connected China to the wider world. The Han economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and state monopolies, while cities like Chang’an became bustling cultural centers.The Han era saw groundbreaking innovations: the invention of paper, advances in astronomy and medicine, detailed historical records by Sima Qian, and art treasures such as jade carvings and silk paintings. Confucianism became the guiding philosophy of government, reinforced through civil service examinations that promoted merit and learning.Yet, internal corruption, peasant uprisings, and court intrigues weakened the state. A brief interruption by Wang Mang’s Xin dynasty and later rebellions eventually led to the fall of the Han in 220 CE.The legacy of the Han endures in China’s identity, culture, and language. Even today, the majority of Chinese identify as Han people, reflecting the dynasty’s enduring influence as a golden age of prosperity, unity, and innovation.

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