The Han Dynasty
The Jade of Classical Chinese Civilization
Han Dynasty Economics
Salt, iron, alcohol, and other products were very popular items and the government soon gained the greatest control of these items. This coin based economy was easier to control than an economy based off of barter. This system led to the control of economic growth that could be operated from a specific location. All of these factors led to the rich economy of the Han dynasty and later to the rich economy of all of China.
Han Dynasty Religion
As Buddhism began to flourish in the Han empire so did Taoism. Taoism and Buddhism worked well together because they both had similar views of nature and harmony. Since Buddhism gave an explanation about nature, life and the afterlife, people were less restless about everything and there was a little more peace all over the land because of this.
Han Dynasty Politics
Han Dynasty Social Setup
In the Han empire there was also a strict social hierarchy. At the top of this hierarchy was the emperor then the marquees and nobles, the officials/educated gentry class, farmers, artisans, merchants, and finally the laborers and slaves. Since the scholars or educated class had such a high rank in this hierarchy, the Han society offered an exam that allowed for people to move up in rank. Since this exam was allowed, schools were placed all over the land that taught Confucius teachings so that those that wanted to move up the social hierarchy had a chance to do so.
Another important issue of society was the justice system. The justice system of the Han society was a bit more lenient than that of the Qin society but corruption was still very much involved. Women could file cases against men because as Confucian thought was spreading, civilization began to recognize that with balance comes happiness and although women were still inferior they were still allowed some rights. As for those that committed a crime, they had to as punishment do forced labor, pay a fine and if the crime were very severe, a beheading was in place.
Han Dynasty Intellectual Advancements
Another intellectual advancement during the Han dynasty was the establishment of the Silk Road trading route. This brought great wealth to the Han empire not only monetary wealth but cultural wealth.
Han Dynasty Art
During the Han dynasty paper was invented. This led to peopl painting on paper as opposed to silk. Perhaps this changed the style of painting. We may never know but the invention of paper was a monumental step in history and we owe it all to the Han dynasty.
Amazing Places of the Han Dynasty
Wei-yang Palace of the Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty Territory
Artwork of the Han Dynasty
This is the Han Dynasty
Location: China, Asia