Name:
Class: Daily Life in the Han Dynasty: Graphic Organizer Social Group
Artisans
Imperial Family
Merchants
Why did people during the Han Dynasty live the way they did?
Social Group
Nobles
Officials
Peasants
Why did people during the Han Dynasty live the way they did?
Social Group
Slaves
Soldiers
Why did people during the Han Dynasty live the way they did?
#1 Background information 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 HAHNGOW-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.
Questions to consider for the background information:
1) What was happening before the time that the Han dynasty was founded? 2) Why was Liu Bang so important? 3) What things did the Han dynasty trade? Who did they trade with and where did trade occur? 4) What achievements were made during the Han dynasty? (Think education, arts, science/technology, trade/communication) 5) How long did the Han dynasty roughly last?
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. Make sure you direct your note-taking on how and why they lived the way they did during the Han Dynasty.
#2 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.)
#3
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)
#4
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)
#5 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.)
#6
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)
#7
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)
#8
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)
#9
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)
