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PEOPLE OF THE HAN DYNASTY How important were they? CONFUCIUS WHO WAS HE? Influential Chinese scholar Believed society should be organized around 5 main relationships Ruler/subject Father/son Husband/wife Brother/Brother Friend/Friend His teachings became the entire basis of Han Dynasty civil service. GRADE THIS PERSON! As a class, we will grade these Han Dynasty figures according to their importance in Chinese history: A= Among the most influential figures ever in China. Their historical effects were significant and are still felt today. B= Very influential figure. Effects may not be as longlasting or significant. C= Somewhat influential. They had a clear effect on China, but it may not be important or long-lasting. D= Not particularly influential. They did influence China, but their influence is not easily seen. SHI HUANGDI WHO WAS HE? Qin Emperor (the only one!) who unified China Built the Great Wall of China to protect from outside invasions Burnt books, imprisoned and killed manyespecially scholars and teachers Created centralized government Most famous in modern world for his tomb GRADE SHI HUANGDI! A= Extremely influential B= Very influential C= Somewhat influential D= Barely influential XIANG YU Led ‘Chu’ Army against Han Army led by Liu Bang Attempted to gain power after fall of Qin Dynasty Seen as one of greatest generals in Chinese history Died in battle trying to attack Han one last time LIU BANG WHO WAS HE? First of Han emperors, gained support after he defeated Xiang Yu Re-centralized government Lowered taxes and softened punishments Brought peace and stability back to China Restored Confucianism as important religion EMPRESS LU Took control after death of Liu Bang Was not officially leader, but used powerful friends and political maneuvers to wield power Able to stay in power for 15 years Continued policies of Liu Bang XIONGNU WHO WERE THEY? Fierce nomads known for their archery skills on horseback Often raided Chinese countryside and trade routes Often rejected Chinese calls for peace- especially bribery and political marriages Likely related to Huns WUDI WHO WAS HE? Held throne longer than any other Han emperor Expanded empire through war Defeated Xiongnu after bribes failed Made Confucianism the official state religion Colonized Manchuria and Korea WANG MANG WHO WAS HE? Briefly ended Han Dynasty to start the Xin Dynasty Only lasted for 14 years Known for programs for poor, took land from rich Assassinated by wealthy rebels who opposed his policy Lost a great deal of popularity when Yellow River changed course, causing a large famine BAN ZHAO Female historian- covered the Han Dynasty Most famous work was “Lessons for Women”