The Han Dynasty
In this lesson, students will be able identify
significant characteristics of the Han
dynasty.
Students will be able to identify and/or
define the following terms:
The Han Dynasty
Civil Service Examination
Silk Road
Cultural Diffusion
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The Han dynasty was an important Chinese
dynasty.
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The Han Dynasty
• The Han dynasty unified China for over
four hundred years.
• Han emperors ruled China from 206 B.C.
to 220 A.D.
• The Han dynasty is frequently compared
to the Roman Empire.
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Han emperors expanded China’s borders
and increased trade.
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Confucianism
• During the Han dynasty, Confucianism
began the official philosophy of China.
• Confucianism stressed the importance of
individuals knowing and doing what was
expected of them.
• Confucius taught that social order led to
peace and harmony in society.
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Confucius believed
in the importance
of the social order.
He believed that
an orderly society
was a harmonious
society.
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Civil Service Examination
• During the Han dynasty, a civil service
examination based on Confucianism was
established.
• In order to work in the Chinese government, a
man had to pass an examination on Chinese
history and Confucianism.
• Only scholars could work in the government.
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To work for the
government, a
Chinese man had
to pass a difficult
examination. By
establishing a
civil service
examination,
education was
emphasized.
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Overland Trade
• During the Han dynasty, merchants
established overland trade routes to other
centers of civilization.
• The Silk Road went through Central Asia
to the Middle East.
• The Silk Road was a famous Chinese
trading route.
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The Silk Road was a famous Chinese
trading route.
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Cultural Diffusion
• Cultural diffusion is the exchange of
cultural ideas and/or objects.
• The Silk Road encouraged cultural
diffusion.
• Chinese ideas and objects were
introduced to other cultures.
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The Chinese invented the compass and
many other wonderful objects.
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Chinese contact
with India led to
the introduction
of Buddhism in
China.
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Questions for Reflection:
• Why is the Han dynasty frequently
compared to the Roman Empire?
• Why did Han emperors establish a civil
service examination?
• What philosophy became the official
philosophy of China during the Han
dynasty?
• Why did the Silk Road increase cultural
diffusion?
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