Western Han - (202 B.C. - A.D. 9)

During the early period of the Western Han the northern border was quiet resulting from alliances with the northern Xiongnu hordes and attention was directed toward the west. Expeditions were sent into distant Ferghana (to the north of present day Afghanistan) to obtain horses for the imperial stables. These expeditions opened up a trade route that later carried Chinese silk and lacquer ware to Rome, Eqypt and Bactria.

These early centuries were occupied, too with fantastic lore, which, from the emperor on down, had people constantly looking for good omens. Useful sources for interpreting the more fabulous themes of Han art are to be found in the Huainanzi (Prince Non of Huaian) and Shanhaijing (Classic of hills and seas). These omens included white unicorns, flying horses, red wild geese and other strange things.

Under the emperor Wudi the Han dynasty flourished. The Han court was advised by Confucian scholars who had precedence in his entourage. When Wudi died, China was at the height of its power with colonies in Tonkin, Liaonin, Korea and Central Asia. But after his death the ruling successors were weak and crippled by palace intrigue and the power of eunuchs. An uprising under the leadership of a usurper named Wang Mang in 9 A.D. took control of the empire. His brief Xin (New) dynasty lasted only until 25 A.D. but by that time the city of Chang'an was in ruins and the wealth and stature of the Han had been reduced to ruin.

Next dynasty -> Eastern Han