Later Han dynasty
Quick Summary
The Later Han dynasty, also known as the Eastern Han, ruled China from 25 to 220 CE. This period followed a brief interruption by Wang Mang's Xin dynasty. The Han dynasty, founded by Liu Bang, was the second great imperial dynasty of China, succeeding the Qin dynasty. It established much of what is considered traditional Chinese culture, to the extent that "Han" became synonymous with ethnic Chinese.12
The Han dynasty adopted a centralized administrative structure and a merit-based bureaucracy, influenced by Confucian ideology. The Later Han period saw its capital moved eastward to Luoyang. Despite periods of strength and cultural achievement, the dynasty faced internal challenges, including court intrigue, the influence of imperial consorts' families and eunuchs, and powerful regional officials. By the late 2nd century CE, the empire had declined, leading to chaos and the emergence of three separate kingdoms, marking the end of Han rule in 220 CE.213456
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