The Han Dynasty

By Siobhan C, Student Writer

The Eastern Han Dynasty was in power from 25 to 220 A.D. It was established by Liu Xiu and was ruled from the new capital of Luoyang. Liu Xiu had gotten the throne because he defeated Wang Mang, from the Western Han Dynasty. He then established the Eastern Han Dynasty. In his second year of ruling, Liu Xiu revised and made changes to all of the policies that Wang Mang had set while he was still ruling. After that, the middle period of the first century was the most prosperous time for the Eastern Han Dynasty. The economy, scientific and cultural development had prospered more than it had in the Western Han Dynasty. These developments helped the Han Dynasty prosper.

The Economy prospered because in the early period, irrigation work was focused on by the government. When the Yellow River used to flood, many fields would be changed into fertile lands. There was also a new invention called the Shui Pai. This helped the productivity of the metallurgical industry. Also, copper, bronze-ware manufacturing and a silk-making industry were developed as well.  Science and culture prospered because in 105 A.D., a court official improved the method of making paper. Astronomy also prospered with new equipment. A famous astronomer, Zhang Heng, invented equipment that helped testing for earthquakes. New ways to use medicine was invented as well. Hua Tuo was a surgeon who started to use anesthetic techniques in operations. Lastly, people stopped using calligraphy and paintings to communicate, and instead they used poetry.

Even though the Eastern Han Dynasty prospered, there was a dark period in time. During this time, the rulers at the throne were too young to rule. This then led to their relatives and eunuchs taking power. Because of this act, farmers began to rebel against their rulers. In 184 A.D., a Hebei farmer rebelled and this caused the royalty’s power to be given to the eunuchs. This then led to the courts being in great chaos. From 189 to 220 A.D., the last emperor, Emperor Xian, was in power. During his reign, the disloyal court official, Dong Zhuo, dominated the royalty. Soon, Cao Cao finally seized power. His second son, Cao Pi, demanded that Emperor Xian had to give up his position as ruler. This then caused the Eastern Han Dynasty to fall.