The Han, established after the fall of Qin (202 BCE–220 CE), lasted about 400 years and laid the foundations of modern China, including the “Han people” and “Chinese characters.”
Former Han (202 BCE–8 CE)
- Liu Bang (Gaozu) defeated Xiang Yu and founded the dynasty; capital: Chang’an
- Emperor Wu (141–87 BCE): Adopted Confucianism as the state learning, defeated the Xiongnu, and advanced into the Western Regions (Central Asia)
- Opening of the Silk Road: Zhang Qian was sent to the Western Regions; silk and ceramics were exported, while Buddhism and glass flowed into China
The Later Han and Han Culture
Later Han (25–220 CE): Guangwu Emperor reunified China; capital: Luoyang.
・Chinese characters: A writing style developed from oracle-bone script was established (the prototype of regular script)
・Invention of paper (Cai Lun, Later Han): A revolution in communication and record-keeping
・Arrival of Buddhism: Buddhism arrived from India via the Silk Road
・Neighboring countries (Korea, Japan, and Vietnam) adopted Han institutions, writing, and Confucianism → formation of the East Asian cultural sphere
Later Han (25–220 CE): Guangwu Emperor reunified China; capital: Luoyang.
・Chinese characters: A writing style developed from oracle-bone script was established (the prototype of regular script)
・Invention of paper (Cai Lun, Later Han): A revolution in communication and record-keeping
・Arrival of Buddhism: Buddhism arrived from India via the Silk Road
・Neighboring countries (Korea, Japan, and Vietnam) adopted Han institutions, writing, and Confucianism → formation of the East Asian cultural sphere
Key Points
- Emperor Wu → establishment of Confucianism as the state religion・opening of the Silk Road
- Invention of paper (Later Han・Cai Lun) → essential to the development of civilization
- East Asian cultural sphere: A cultural sphere sharing Chinese characters・Confucianism・the legal and administrative system・Buddhism
Practice Questions
- Give the name of the envoy sent to the Western Regions by Emperor Wu of the Former Han and the name of the route that opened as a result.
- Who is said to have improved or invented paper during the Later Han period?
- What is the name of the East Asian cultural sphere that shared Chinese characters・Confucianism・and the legal and administrative system?
Answers
- Zhang Qian, Silk Road (Silk Route)
- Cai Lun
- East Asian cultural sphere (Chinese-character cultural sphere)