Daily Life in the Han Dynasty

Assignment to hand in:    Nine Obituaries for each of the Han Social Groups

Step 1: Introduction - Look at the picture below and read the following text:

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 2: Look at each picture and read each corresponding student handout summary of the social roles in Han daily life:

ARTISANS - Painting of various artisans working with wood, stone, and lacquer paint. (Student Handout Summary - Artisans)

THE IMPERIAL FAMILY - Painting of soldiers carrying banners in a procession as they escort the first Han emperor, Liu Bang, to the capital city of Chang An. (Student Handout Summary - The Imperial Family)

MERCHANTS - Painting of a merchant selling medicinal remedies such as bones, plants, and powders. (Student Handout Summary - Merchants)

NOBLES - Painting of five Han nobles conversing and wearing elegant clothing. The second figure from the left carries a stylized umbrella. (Student Handout Summary - Nobles)

OFFICIALS - Painting of 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. (Student Handout Summary - 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. (Student Handout Summary - Peasants)

SLAVES - Painting of a slave pouring a drink for someone, while another slave helps someone stand up. (Student Handout Summary - Slaves)

SOLDIERS - Painting of third century soldiers engaged in battle. (Student Handout Summary - Soldiers)

Step 3: Choose 5 social groups above and write a fictional obituary for a Chinese person who lived in that lifestyle during the Han dynasty. (Click here for current examples of obituaries in The Providence Journal)

Each obituary should consist of the following:

    1. A fictional name (You can add a picture or drawing too).
    2. A paragraph or two that describes the person's life and the role he/she played within the social group. (Remember that an obituary celebrates and explains a person's contributions or achievements they made in their lifetime.)
    3. You MUST incorporate at least three facts/references to the corresponding summary.

Supplemental Websites:
Kidipede: History for Kids - Han Dynasty
Art of Asia: Han Dynasty (Minneapolis Institute of Arts - Includes a short video too)

Back to Ancient China Main Page