Historical Context

Historical Context The Han dynasty ruled China from 205 BC to AD 220. During that time, the Chinese empire expanded to the north, south and west. Its new boundaries took in much of the land that makes up china today. Han rulers encouraged creativity, and many new inventions were developed during this period.

Document 1 The West inherited its traditions from the Romans and the Greeks, while China inherits from the Han. -Liu Qingzhu, director of the Institute of Archaeology in Beijing

The dynasty arose 2,200 years ago and lasted more than four centuries. Today, ethnic Chinese still call themselves Han-an echo of a golden age in art, politics and technology when China rivaled the Roman Empire in power and prestige…It bequeathed a template of ideal rule – a united China Inn the Han legacy, too, are spiritual and ethical dynamics that guide millions of Asians. One is Confucianism. -Mike Edwards, National Geographic Magazine, February 2004.

1a. Why do you think Liu Qingzhu compares the Han to Greece and Rome?

1b. How did the Han dynasty influence the goals of later dynasties?

Document 2 Exceptional work demands exceptional men…A man who is the object of the world’s hatred may live to accomplish great tings…it is imply a question of training. We therefore command the various district officials to search for men of brilliant and exceptional talents, to be our generals, and our envoys to distant states. -Emperor Wudi from Classical Chinese Literature

2a. What is Emperor Wudi looking for in generals and leaders?

2b. How does the way the Han leaders found and trained leaders compare to the way we do so on the US?

Document 3 In ancient times writing was generally on bamboo or pieces of silk. But silk was expensive and bamboo heavy, these two materials wre not convenient. Then Tsai Lun thought of using tree bark, hemp, rags and fish nets. In 105 he made a report to the emperor on the process of papermaking, and received high praise for his ability. -An official history of paper 3. How was paper an improvement over previous writing methods? Document 4 The Silk Road is the most well-known trading route of ancient Chinese civilization. Trade in silk grew under the Han Dynasty ( 202 BC - AD 220) in the first and second centuries AD.

4a. How far west were Chinese silks traded?

4b. What impact did the Silk Road have on China’s geography?

Document 5 Han Accomplishments and Inventions Government based on merit system Earlierts known maps Dictionary Paper Wheelbarrow Device for measuring distance Seismograph

5. Which invention was most helpful to Han society? Explain. Document 6

Civil Service and Exams

Confucianism survived its suppression during the Qin Dynasty partly thanks to the discovery of a trove of Confucian classics hidden in the walls of a scholar's house. After the Qin, the new Han Dynasty approved of Confucian doctrine and sponsored Confucian scholars, eventually making Confucianism the official state philosophy. Study of the Confucian classics became the basis of the government examination system and the core of the educational curriculum. Emperors chose the people they thought were best suited for government jobs. Jobs were now based on merit. Written examinations were used to identify the best qualified people for the job. In the 2nd century BCE, an imperial university was established to teach students the five classics of the Confucian school to prepare them to become bureaucrats. No serious attempt to replace Confucianism arose until the advent of communism in the 20th century.

6. What impact did Confucianism have on China during the Han dynasty?

Task: Analyze three changes the Han Dynasty brought to ancient China?

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