1. Han Dynasty
By: Loudon Hasler, Isaac Leifeld, Jaide Imblum, Courtney McDowell, and Shelbie Kellogg Shelbie Kellogg

2. Origins of the Empire and Dynasty
206 BCE- 220 CE
One of longest major Chinese dynasties
Emperor Gaozu was first Emperor
Was minor official in previous Qin Dynasty
Emperor Gaozu established capital Chang’an
All major roads converged here
Han Dynasty came to power after 4 year civil wars from uprising of peasants

3. Major Religious Beliefs & Institutions
Many different religions were prominent during this dynasty.
These religions included Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.
Although the main faith of the Han Dynasty is believed to be Taoism because it was founded within this dynasty.
Taoism is the belief of opposites, this is where the yin yang sign originates from.

4. Major Religious Beliefs & Institutions
Confucianism was the philosophical side of the religion.
Taoism helped to created prominent ways of thinking.
Became one of the biggest ideological beliefs of the era.
The religion ruled China for almost two thousand years and came into the picture first in the Han Dynasty.

5. Major Religious Beliefs & Institutions
Taoism is not an organized practice therefore it is not practiced specifically in a temple or church or any other religious institution.
As Taoism does not believe in any Gods, Many Taoists worship the creator of the faith, Lao-tzu and his teachings along with other major teachers of the faith.

6. Major Cities Luoyang Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 A.D.)
four square miles
located in Henan Province (present day)
dominated by two large palaces (used for trading, meetings, etc.)
Chang’an
Constructed by Emperor Gaozu
Capital City
Built on a symmetrical format
world's longest serving capital city (1100 years)

7. Reasons for Collapse/Loss of Power
End of 1st century - emperors were dying off young, and power was passed down to infants, which means that the guardians basically had the power
Natural disasters were thought of as cause by the heavens during this time
Eunuchs became a powerful group in politics - caused protests/uprisings
Yellow Turban Rebellion - threatened imperial capital
Liu Xie, a child, became the new ruler, but the real power was in the hands of Dong Zhou
Killed Eunuchs, and weakened the imperial order
The last year of the Han Dynasty was in 220 CE, when Lui Xie renounced his power

8. Economy
The economy was defined by population growth,and growth of industry and trade.
Economy mostly successful, small decline however
New inventions and explosion in art contributed to economy
Previous dynasty damaged economy
Heavy taxes on peasants
Great Wall damaged economy
Han dynasty took away taxes on peasants
Encouraged peasants to start growing more plants
Agriculture was major aspect of Han economy
Greatest help to economy was opening of Silk Road
Invention of loom helped to create silk fabric

9. Expansion Main goal was to unite China.
Emperor Wudi led military campaigns to gain territory during an era of military development.
Mostly expanded Southward.
Did have a reasonable expansion North too.
Gained some of modern day Southern China.
Expanded into parts of Mongolia, Central Asia, and parts of Korea.
Chinese armies consisted of men
usually successful at expanding.

10. Bibliography
"Han Dynasty." Ancient History Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov
"Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History." Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.). N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov
"The Chinese Han Dynasty Economy & Economic Structures." Totally History Han Dynasty Economy Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov
"The Han Dynasty." Untitled Document. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov
"Han Dynasty." Han Dynasty. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov