Daily Life in the Han Dynasty
Assignments to hand in: Daily Life in the Han Dynasty Note-Taking
Graphic Organizer [Word Version] | Historical Han Obituaries (See
below) | Analyzing Primary v. Secondary Sources (See below)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS, SHARED LEARNING TARGET & INTRODUCTION:
Essential Question 2: Why do people live the way they do? What will I be able to
do?: You will be able to describe the characteristics of daily life among various social
groups/classes in ancient Han China. What idea, topic, or subject is important for you
to learn and understand so that I can do this?: You will learn about how people of
various social groups/classes lived in ancient Han China.
What I will do to show that
you know this?: You will show what you know by completing Daily Life in the Han
Dynasty Note-Taking Graphic Organizer and writing imaginary obituaries on five
different social groups/classes of your choosing.
Introduction:
The Han dynasty, which lasted from approximately 206 B.C.E. to 220 C.E., was founded
by Liu Bang (pronounced LEO-BONG), a man born to a peasant family. Liu, the king of
the state of Han, rose to power after the Qin dynasty collapsed in 206 B.C.E. After
defeating the various groups that were vying for power after Qin Shi Huang Di's death,
Liu became emperor and made his capital at Chang An (pronounced CHAHNG-AHN), in
north central China. One of only two commoners ever to found a Chinese dynasty, Liu
proved to be a talented and skillful ruler. Posthumously, he became known as Han
Gaozu (pronounced HAHN-GOW-TZOO), which means the "Great Ancestral Father of
Han." The achievements of the Han dynasty so influenced Chinese culture that the
Chinese word for "Chinese person" is "a person of Han."
During the Han dynasty, China experienced a period of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Han emperors established a strong military, which allowed them to conquer new
territories, expanding the reach of the empire as far as modern-day Korea and North
Vietnam. In addition, they extended their power through diplomatic alliances with
neighboring peoples. These alliances were often forged through strategic marriages or
the exchange of lavish presents. Under the Han, the Chinese also engaged in
international trade. Trading such goods as silk, spices, and jade, the Chinese acquired
new products and ideas - including Buddhism - from ancient cultures such as India,
Central Asia, and Rome. Much of the trade occurred locally in small trade centers
throughout Asia that became known collectively as the Silk Road.
During the Han dynasty, great achievements were made in the areas of education,
culture, and science. Shifting away from the Legalist philosophy of the Qin dynasty,
Han rulers instituted a Confucian system of government under which government
officials were selected based on merit, rather than by birth. Scholars who proved their
knowledge of Confucian classics and literary talent were appointed officials, who
enforced Han laws and collected taxes. This encouraged the development of Confucian
education, which became more widespread among the general populace. In addition,
the Han government promoted the development of the arts: paper was invented,
painting and calligraphy flourished, and fine porcelain was created. The Han period
also saw some remarkable advances in science and technology, such as the invention
of water clocks, star maps, and compasses. Perhaps most importantly, Han rulers
increased trade and communication by building new roads and waterways. While Han
rulers struggled at times to maintain control over their large empire, Han society
remained basically intact for over 400 years.
Step 1: Researching Social Roles/Groups in the Han Dynasty - Look at
the pictures below and read the corresponding Information Handouts to complete the
Daily Life in the Han Dynasty Graphic Organizer (Word Version). Make sure you direct
your note-taking on how and why they lived the way they did during the Han Dynasty.
Artisans
(Painting of various artisans working with wood, stone, and lacquer paint. This scene
is painted in ink and colors on the Yuan dynasty handscroll made of paper.)
Information Handout on Artisans
Imperial Family
(A 12th century painting of soldiers carrying banners in a procession as they escort
the first Han emperor, Liu Bang, to the capital city of Chang An)
Information Handout About the Imperial Family
Merchants
(14th century painting of a merchant selling medicinal remedies such as bones,
plants, and powders. This scene is painted in ink and colors on a Yuan dynasty
handscroll made of paper)
Information Handout About Merchants
Nobles
(Painting of five Han nobles conversing and wearing elegant clothing. The second
figure from the left carries a stylized umbrella. The figures are painted in ink and colors
on whitewashed earthenware tiles. The painting was found on the lintel of a Han tomb
that dates between 50 B.C.E. and 50 C.E.)
Information Handout About Nobles
Officials
(An 11th century painting of a northern Qi scholar official dressed in red and sitting
on a folding stool. As he writes, he is assisted by servants who hold the paper, prepare
a new brush, carry bundles of finished texts, and review the writing. This scene is
painted in ink and colors on a northern Song dynasty handscroll made of silk)
Information Handout About Officials
Peasants
(Painting of peasants working in a rice field. The figures on the path are carrying rice
sprouts, which the figures in the foreground are planting in the field)
Information Handout About Peasants
Slaves
(A 14th century painting of a slave pouring a drink for someone, while another slave
helps someone stand up. This scene is painted in ink and colors on a Yuan dynasty
handscroll made of paper)
Information Handout About Slaves
Soldiers
(A Qing dynasty painting of third-century soldiers engaged in battle. This painting
appears on the Long Promenade, a covered walkway that is part of the Imperial
Summer Palace in Beijing)
Information Handout About Soldiers