Summary

    The Han dynasty, founded by Liu Bang in 202 BC, followed the Qin dynasty. The Han dynasty was divided into two individual periods, the former Han dynasty(202 BC- 8 AD) and the later Han dynasty(25 AD- 220 AD). The former Han dynasty had the city of Chang'an as its capital, and the later Han dynasty's capital was Luoyang. 

    The Han government was very powerful. Officials were selected through civil service examinations. These exams revealed the candidates' knowledge of Confucian principles. 

    During the Han dynasty, China's boundaries were extended as far west as the northern border of India. Han warriors constantly fought against many nomadic tribes from the north and west. The Silk Road created a link between China and Europe for the first time. Chinese silk and other products were transported into the Roman empire over this route. 

    Rivalries between officials, advisors, scholars, and military leaders caused the collapse of the Han dynasty. Following this downfall, there was a schism in China, and many separate, feuding states existed for the next four centuries.