206 B.C. – 220 C.E.(426 years)

Han Dynasty

• 206 B.C. – 220 C.E. (426 years)

• Increased the size of China by conquering new lands

• Became one of the largest and wealthiest empires in the Ancient world

Civil Service Exam• Citizens were paid to hold government jobs

• The people took tests and those with the highest scores were selected

– The tests covered math, law, and the teachings of Confucius

• Students went to college to train for the exam

• Citizens from any social class were allowed to take the exam

– Provided a system of equal opportunity

Disadvantages of Civil Service• Emphasis placed on learning old classics

rather than new ideas

• Government officials resisted change – This led to problems for the Chinese

Cultural Exchange• Silk Road- A 4,000 mile trade route

along the Great Wall that linked China to the west

– India, Mesopotamia, and Persia People spread knowledge and ideas to

other parts of the world

• The Han Dynasty perfected paper-making in 105 A.D.

– Wrote the world’s first dictionary

Religion• Buddhism spread from India to China

along the Silk Road

• Peasants- small farmers – Many turned to Buddhism

• Monasteries- religious centers• Many built throughout China• Many Chinese followed a religion that

mixed Taoist and Buddhist beliefs

Decline• Government became weak

– Many people revolted– Warlords (local rulers) became

powerful

• The warlords caused the Han Dynasty to crumble– Followed by a long period of unrest

Started: 206 BCE Ended: 220 CE