Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD)
Government Officials
The Han emperors appointed officials to assist in governing the people. These officials were required to take difficult tests. The highest-scoring applicants were appointed to office. These exams measured the student's knowledge of law, math, and most importantly, the Confucian texts.
Example of Confucian text. Click to enlarge.
Example of Confucian text. Click to enlarge.
Unprecedented in this system of education was the opportunity for any man from the empire to take the exams. This created a sort of equality that was not seen in other civilizations of the time.
Trade Along the Silk Road
In the Han empire, which extended into Southeast Asia, had great cultural diffusion with its bordering states. On the Silk Road, which connected China to the Middle East, allowed Chinese traders as well as Western merchants to bring their goods to outlying cities.
Silk Road during the Han dynasty
Click to enlarge.
New Religion
On the outskirts of the empire near India and Southeast Asia, new religion spread. Buddhism was particularly popular for the poor. As more people began to follow its teachings, monasteries were built throughout China, many of which still remain today.
Altar at a Buddhist temple in Kunming, China. Click to enlarge.
Altar at a Buddhist temple in Kunming, China. Click to enlarge.
In the years leading up to the fall of the dynasty, the nobility began to quarrel among themselves, and in 220 AD, the last emperor forfeited the throne, causing an abrupt end to the empire and great chaos.