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Western Han Dynasty: A History from Beginning to End
Discover the remarkable history of the Western Han Dynasty...
The history of the Western Han dynasty reveals a time of magnificence for a time when the country expanded its territory, perfected the weaving of silk to such an extent that a trade route extending from China all the way to Rome would take its name from that prized export, and capitalized upon the technological advances within its country to witness an agricultural revolution that predated Europe’s farming innovations by hundreds of years.
The Western Han dynasty was a lineage that began with the rise to power of a peasant, capable and far-sighted, whose scorned wife retaliated against his favorite consort after his death in a brutal manner. Women had their defined role in the hierarchy of the court, and although they could not inherit the Dragon Throne, their influence was made known through their roles as the wife of the emperor and then as the mother and grandmother of the coming emperors. The domestic alliances of the imperial family were quite often at odds with the wishes of the emperor himself, creating a volatile mix of ambition and retribution.
Under the Western Han rulers, China established its impressive reputation in the Ancient World, a reputation which rivaled that of the Roman Empire across the continents.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
So if you want a concise and informative book on the Western Han Dynasty, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button!
The history of the Western Han dynasty reveals a time of magnificence for a time when the country expanded its territory, perfected the weaving of silk to such an extent that a trade route extending from China all the way to Rome would take its name from that prized export, and capitalized upon the technological advances within its country to witness an agricultural revolution that predated Europe’s farming innovations by hundreds of years.
The Western Han dynasty was a lineage that began with the rise to power of a peasant, capable and far-sighted, whose scorned wife retaliated against his favorite consort after his death in a brutal manner. Women had their defined role in the hierarchy of the court, and although they could not inherit the Dragon Throne, their influence was made known through their roles as the wife of the emperor and then as the mother and grandmother of the coming emperors. The domestic alliances of the imperial family were quite often at odds with the wishes of the emperor himself, creating a volatile mix of ambition and retribution.
Under the Western Han rulers, China established its impressive reputation in the Ancient World, a reputation which rivaled that of the Roman Empire across the continents.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
So if you want a concise and informative book on the Western Han Dynasty, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button!
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2021
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Hourly History
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 11, 2021
“The two most far-sighted and influential political figures in the history of mankind are Caesar, who founded the Roman Empire, and Liu Bang, who founded the Han Empire”
This book by Hourly History provides a brief overlook of the Han dynasty. The Western Han Dynasty, founded by Liu Bang, was a dynasty that ruled China from the late BCE to the early CE. During this time, the economic and commercial fields of China grew to greater heights.
I think that this book mainly focuses on the politics of the empire. However, it didn’t give information about the society that grew in the rule. So I think that this is a good book for understanding the rulers of the dynasty, but not for understanding the outcome of this rule. But I still liked the book a lot, primarily because I could finish it fast within half an hour along with understanding everything.
This book by Hourly History provides a brief overlook of the Han dynasty. The Western Han Dynasty, founded by Liu Bang, was a dynasty that ruled China from the late BCE to the early CE. During this time, the economic and commercial fields of China grew to greater heights.
I think that this book mainly focuses on the politics of the empire. However, it didn’t give information about the society that grew in the rule. So I think that this is a good book for understanding the rulers of the dynasty, but not for understanding the outcome of this rule. But I still liked the book a lot, primarily because I could finish it fast within half an hour along with understanding everything.
December 29, 2022
fascinating
While it might be argued a great deal of the book is who murdered who and took over the throne, who poisoned who, who committed suicide, who was falsely accused of witchcraft, which family was executed, which concubine had her dark schemes, it’s also a fascinating look into centuries of ancient Chinese history and inventions (like the blast furnace and iron plow created far in advance of anything similar in Europe). Recommended.
While it might be argued a great deal of the book is who murdered who and took over the throne, who poisoned who, who committed suicide, who was falsely accused of witchcraft, which family was executed, which concubine had her dark schemes, it’s also a fascinating look into centuries of ancient Chinese history and inventions (like the blast furnace and iron plow created far in advance of anything similar in Europe). Recommended.
October 27, 2022
Western Han dynasty
This was a very good book, especially if you don't know a lot about China
Very good read for every age
This was a very good book, especially if you don't know a lot about China
Very good read for every age
July 14, 2024
WESTERN HAN DYNASTY A History from Beginning to End. This book states that Confucianism became the official state religion. It's a little sad that the religion of a great country became reduced to fortune cookie sayings.
September 10, 2021
Qin Shi Huang, Qin Dynasty (from 247 to 221 BCE), unified China and created 36 military districts, all under his rule. He built the Great Wall of China to protect from the northern barbarians. He ruled by the governing principle of legalism (strict adherence to a religious or moral code), not Confucianism (which emphasized love for humanity, placed a high value on learning, and devotion to one's family, including ancestors; valued peace, justice, and the traditional culture of China).
After Qin Shi Huang died, his kingdom became fractured, with the Chu and Han states declaring that they intended to become independent. In the meantime, all of the Qin family were killed and Liu Bang rose to lead the Han against the Chu in a war that lasted for 4 years. At the end of the warring, the Han Dynasty began. However, at that point, the book just became a listing of rulers' names and how they were killed or overthrown.
One thing about Chinese dynasties, they weren't shy about killing off their enemies; the bizarre thing is that the rulers had more to fear from their relatives than others. Murders, assassinations, suicides abound in this story
Wang Mang was the Usurper Emperor and he ended the Western Han Dynasty. After Wang Mang's Xin Dynasty was overthrown in 23 CE, the Eastern Han Dynasty began. The entire Han Dynasty lasted from 202 BCE to 220 CE. The Xin Dynasty lasted from 9 to 23 CE (essentially 14 years), so the Western Han lasted for 211 years and the Eastern Han lasted for 197 years.
After Qin Shi Huang died, his kingdom became fractured, with the Chu and Han states declaring that they intended to become independent. In the meantime, all of the Qin family were killed and Liu Bang rose to lead the Han against the Chu in a war that lasted for 4 years. At the end of the warring, the Han Dynasty began. However, at that point, the book just became a listing of rulers' names and how they were killed or overthrown.
One thing about Chinese dynasties, they weren't shy about killing off their enemies; the bizarre thing is that the rulers had more to fear from their relatives than others. Murders, assassinations, suicides abound in this story
Wang Mang was the Usurper Emperor and he ended the Western Han Dynasty. After Wang Mang's Xin Dynasty was overthrown in 23 CE, the Eastern Han Dynasty began. The entire Han Dynasty lasted from 202 BCE to 220 CE. The Xin Dynasty lasted from 9 to 23 CE (essentially 14 years), so the Western Han lasted for 211 years and the Eastern Han lasted for 197 years.
November 26, 2021
Very basic and it ends with praising Xi Jinping and the Belt and Road, but it admirably is a narrative history of each of the Former Han emperors.
A clean schoolbook emperor by emperor chronological account, something like this should be included as a matter of course in basic survey volumes but never is.
A clean schoolbook emperor by emperor chronological account, something like this should be included as a matter of course in basic survey volumes but never is.
December 3, 2024
Good presentation of information western Han intrigues
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely as the tales of these emperors prove.
Furthermore, Xi demonstrates a student if Chinese history, as he prances around acting more and more like an emperor of Han dynasty royalty in his communist dictator disguise. China ain't progressed much in 2000 years.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely as the tales of these emperors prove.
Furthermore, Xi demonstrates a student if Chinese history, as he prances around acting more and more like an emperor of Han dynasty royalty in his communist dictator disguise. China ain't progressed much in 2000 years.
December 19, 2024
This is a very good read and on of the best books of Hourly History series.
After reading this book the reader has a clear view of the History of the Han dynasty, its bright moments and its failures, the intrigues of the palace and the quest for power in the royal family. I enjoyed this book very much.
After reading this book the reader has a clear view of the History of the Han dynasty, its bright moments and its failures, the intrigues of the palace and the quest for power in the royal family. I enjoyed this book very much.
November 26, 2021
History of any nation is that of its rulers and the palace intrigues. History of China was no different and it comes out so eloquently in this book that traces the evolution and demise of Han Dynasty.
April 6, 2022
A very captivating book for the short version of the history of the Han Dynasty
I like the book for the shorten version of the history of the Han Dynasty. It was very enjoyable time read.
I like the book for the shorten version of the history of the Han Dynasty. It was very enjoyable time read.
December 10, 2023
Very informative
It's amazing to see how advanced the Chinese were with regards to science, agriculture, and trade so long ago. I have often wondered how differently North America would have turned out if settled by Oriental rather than European explorers.
It's amazing to see how advanced the Chinese were with regards to science, agriculture, and trade so long ago. I have often wondered how differently North America would have turned out if settled by Oriental rather than European explorers.
July 3, 2024
Great History!
I learned a great deal about China in this short history. I appreciate having the information in small parts rather than in a larger work. If I'm further interested, the larger work s are available.
I learned a great deal about China in this short history. I appreciate having the information in small parts rather than in a larger work. If I'm further interested, the larger work s are available.
September 26, 2021
Great brief story!
Detailed facts, clearly explained, enough for somebody interested in knowing a little more on Ancient China and how it all started
Detailed facts, clearly explained, enough for somebody interested in knowing a little more on Ancient China and how it all started
December 26, 2021
Beware of the Han you shake
A historical read that should be a mandatory read for high schoolers. There is a cultural gap that we need to understand if the west is to complete.
A historical read that should be a mandatory read for high schoolers. There is a cultural gap that we need to understand if the west is to complete.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews