Still part of the First Empire, the Han dynasty lasted for 400 years and into the common era. During this time, China expanded its territory into what is now Vietnam, Korea, and Central Asia. It flourished alongside the Roman Empire and established trade routes between them. China's main export was silk. Confucianism became the main religion in China (following ethical morals and principles) , as well as the concentration of the empire's first university. During Emperor Wudi's reign from 140-87 BC, China had its first contact with Japan.
The Han dynasty was where competitive examinations began. This was the method used to decide on the members of public office. Those who were most successful on the exam were rewarded with the highest positions in government. This system was in place until 1905 AD and is where westernized standard testing comes from. During the Han dynasty, the only ones who received a formal education were the elite, so they were the ones who were most successful on these exams and took higher government positions.
Even though the emperor made the laws, he was also above them. The law codes were very specific with crimes and punishments. Certain people were given different punishments even if they had committed the same offence. For example, women and officials had more freedom within the law code that regular, working men. Some common punishments were floggings, exile, or being sent to a work camp. The Chinese were very religious during this time, so it was believed that if a person was accused of something it upset the cosmic balance. This law code still exists today in China, but in fragments. Today, concepts like 'innocent until proven guilty' and equality/human rights are more apparent.
It was believed during this time that even though the emperor did not rule by divine right, his rule was mandated by heaven. If the emperor was would bring harm to China, signs and omens would appear to get rid of the bad ruler. If no bad omens came, it was believed that the emperor would be a good emperor. This means that during this time, there were few rebellions.
The way the emperor's court ran was very structured. The empress ran the palace household and was not allowed to be seen in public. She had a huge influence over her husband and sons, who usually listened to what she had to say. The emperor had a harem of 121 women who served his personal needs. Consort clans were the families of the palace women, and eunuchs were men who worked with the harem. In authority below the emperor were 3 departments who corresponded with magistrates in other cities, 6 boards who were in charge of defense and civil service, and 9 courts who were in charge of foreign visitors and the clergy.
The Han dynasty was where competitive examinations began. This was the method used to decide on the members of public office. Those who were most successful on the exam were rewarded with the highest positions in government. This system was in place until 1905 AD and is where westernized standard testing comes from. During the Han dynasty, the only ones who received a formal education were the elite, so they were the ones who were most successful on these exams and took higher government positions.
Even though the emperor made the laws, he was also above them. The law codes were very specific with crimes and punishments. Certain people were given different punishments even if they had committed the same offence. For example, women and officials had more freedom within the law code that regular, working men. Some common punishments were floggings, exile, or being sent to a work camp. The Chinese were very religious during this time, so it was believed that if a person was accused of something it upset the cosmic balance. This law code still exists today in China, but in fragments. Today, concepts like 'innocent until proven guilty' and equality/human rights are more apparent.
It was believed during this time that even though the emperor did not rule by divine right, his rule was mandated by heaven. If the emperor was would bring harm to China, signs and omens would appear to get rid of the bad ruler. If no bad omens came, it was believed that the emperor would be a good emperor. This means that during this time, there were few rebellions.
The way the emperor's court ran was very structured. The empress ran the palace household and was not allowed to be seen in public. She had a huge influence over her husband and sons, who usually listened to what she had to say. The emperor had a harem of 121 women who served his personal needs. Consort clans were the families of the palace women, and eunuchs were men who worked with the harem. In authority below the emperor were 3 departments who corresponded with magistrates in other cities, 6 boards who were in charge of defense and civil service, and 9 courts who were in charge of foreign visitors and the clergy.