Classical Antiquity
Han Dynasty
206 BC – 220 AD · peak 100 AD
The Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) consolidated Chinese identity under the leadership of emperors like Liu Bang and Han Wudi. Establishing its capitals at Chang'an and later Luoyang, the state adopted Confucianism, pioneered the Silk Road, and invented paper and the seismograph. Internal factionalism and the Yellow Turban Rebellion led to its eventual disintegration into the Three Kingdoms.
Capital: Chang'an / Luoyang
Key figures
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Amber Road (1500 BC – 500 AD)
- Incense Route (1000 BC – 400 AD)
- Alexandria–Rome Grain Route (30 BC – 400 AD)
- Silk Road (130 BC – 1450 AD)