The Rise of Han Empire: The Golden Age of Peace and Development

The Han Empire began in 206 B.C.E. with the first emperor Liu Bang who then later changed his name to Han Gazou. While in power, Gazou established “civil service” which in short was when he would round up men who were educated enough to assist him in ruling the empire. Gazou would also start to inaugurate examinations and schools so he could be assured that the most intelligent men would take part in running the actual government.

The arrangement would then be later known as the Confucian Bureaucracy/examination system. This action would remain a method for choosing political statures until 1905. Once Liu Bang passed away, Lu Zhi (his Empress) would try to conquer the emperor's title for herself and her family. The problem would be going around for 15 years having her end up in failure and resulted in the slaughtering of her and her entire family by Gaouzu’s son Emperor Wan. After this time in history, a new emperor rose called Wu Di. During his time of reign, he favored Confucianism and neglected Legalism. One of his representatives (Zhang Qian) also managed to open up the trading route between China and India in 138 B.C.E. which would later be recognized as the “Silk Road”.

Thanks to the Silk Road, merchants became rich because of their constant selling of silk and paper. However, with their success came unfair consequences. Merchants were not treated respectfully and looked down upon because they were part of the lower class. The Silk Road linked China to the west and helped share ideas and goods between Rome and China, along with opening up means of passage for explorers. Along with these things, Buddhism and disease were spread through the Silk Road.

The name “Silk Road” derived from the popularity of Chinese silk among tradesmen in the Roman Empire and other areas in Europe. Silk was the major commodity that China was known for exporting. Commodities such as gunpowder, invented by the Chinese Han empire, was also among the most traded item in the east and west. The Silk Road caused the first ocean route in Chinese history and the earliest overseas trade in the world. In 1453 AD, the Ottoman Empire boycotted trade with China and closed the Silk Road. Although it’s been 600 years since the Silk Road has been used for international trade, the routes have had a major impact on commerce and, culture, and trade to this day.

During the Han Empire, there were many inventions made that not only benefited the empire but the world in the long run. In 50 A.D., Cai Lun was credited for inventing the paper and the paper development process. Although there were other writing materials used prior to the Han Dynasty such as papyrus and bark, Cai Lun is known as the creator for the paper we know and use today. Another important invention was the loom. Silk cloth was weaved and used for the silk trade which was a lucrative item during the Han Dynasty. Lastly, the wheelbarrow was created. It helped farmers greatly because they can push heavy loads instead of carrying it. This made it easier to transport one's good from one place to another.

After the fall of the Han empire, China was split into three kingdoms since no one was strong enough to unite all of China by themselves. It wasn’t until 618 CE that the Tang dynasty came to rule over East China. Directly after the fall of the Tang dynasty, the Song dynasty came into being. Both of the dynasties came to help develop China which is present in modern China. One of the major impacts that the Tang/Song dynasty brought to China was the spread of actual paper money and not metal coins. People kept track of their money by depositing their coins at deposit shops and receive notes in exchange. Not only did a new type of currency come into being during the song dynasty, but religions resurfaced during both dynasties. During the Tang dynasty, Buddhism reached its peak, spreading throughout China from India via Buddhist monks and the Silk Road. However, when one of the emperors began to suppress Buddhism, Confucianism began to take the place of Buddhism during the Song Dynasty.

Buddhism was brought into China through the Silk Road and by the teachings of Buddhist monks from India during the later part of the Han Dynasty (150 CE). It took a century to assimilate into Chinese culture. The so called classical period of Buddhism overlaid with the Tang Dynasty ( 618-907 CE), which was when Buddhism reached its peak.

Conclusion

The Han Empire was an era of peace and prosperity that launched China as a major world power. The people of Han China has become more united since then. Its contributions and accomplishments are still very much evident in modern-day; the Han Empire will always be remembered and in our hearts. Rest In Peace.