Dynasties | Han Dynasty 206BC-220AD

The long period of Han dynastic rule consolidated the unification of the Qin but with a lessening of the autocratic use of force. The majority of Chinese people still call themselves 'Han Chinese' and the language is often called 'hanyu'. The empire extended far to the West and trade with the romans along the silk route brought great riches to the merchants. Paper money was introduced for the first time.

The setting up of open examinations to fill posts for the high officials was a major innovation. The high officials were mainly eunuchs. However the dependence of Confucian doctrine became a stultifying factor in later centuries.

After the brief interregnum when Wang Mang established some significant economic and social reforms the Han dynasty was re-established in the more easterly city of Luoyang. The study of astronomy, earth sciences and botany flourished.