6.5.4 Han Dynasty 2

The Han Dynasty

VOCABULARY


official

people assigned to a
position in the
government

VOCABULARY


civil service

A system of
government where
employees are
selected for their
skills and knowledge

VOCABULARY


Silk Road

a network of trade
routes that crossed
Asia

VOCABULARY


envoy

representatives of the
emperor

VOCABULARY


cuisine

style of cooking

VOCABULARY


assign

to give us a job or
task

VOCABULARY


obtain

To get or to receive
something

Han emperors made sure that local leaders
remained too weak to challenge their authority.
Han emperors governed new lands directly, rather
than give it to noblemen.

Wudi created exams to find talented people to
become civil service officials.

Unable to make their own silk, other
countries were eager to exchange their
goods for Chinese silk.

In China, food products from other
lands enriched Chinese cuisine. The
religion of Buddhism entered China.

The Han dynasty replaced the Qin in 206 BCE.
Han emperors built on the
successes of the Qin to create one of the most influential dynasties in
Chinese history.

How Did the Han Govern China?

When the first Han emperor took power, he quickly reversed the Qin rulers’ harsh and cruel methods. At the same time, he did follow the
example of the Qin by creating a strong central government.

How Did the Han Govern
China?

The Han established an effective civil service. This is system of government employees mainly
selected for their skills and
knowledge. Han government was
organized like a pyramid.

How Did the Han Govern
China?

Town and village officials were at
the base. The emperor and his
advisors were at the top. In between were several layers of other officials.

Many officials were chosen based on their knowledge of Confucian ideas.

How Did the Han Govern China?

They did not inherit their jobs.

The Han dynasty ruled China for over 400 years. Over time, however, it weakened. China was again plunged into disunity for several centuries.

The Silk Road

One of the most lasting contributions of the Han dynasty was the establishment of the Silk Road. The Silk Road is a network of trade routes that crossed Asia, connecting China to Central and southwest Asia.

The Silk Road

The name “Silk Road” comes from China’s most important export—silk. In addition to the exchange of trade goods, the Silk Road was a path for the exchange of inventions, such as gunpowder, paper, and glass.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road also led to the exchange of ideas. One
important idea that arrived in China on the Silk Road was
Buddhism. This religion, which had started in India,
became very popular in China.