The Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty lasted over 400 years from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D.

Han Contributions

The Han were great inventors.They invented many new technologies.In 132 AD, a Han inventor invented the

world’s first seismograph, an instrument that measures earthquakes.

First seismograph

Seismograph Today

Papermaking

The Han probably made paper for the first time in 100 B.C.

The emperor found out about paper about 200 years later in 100 A.D.

Chinese paper

Han Art

The Han also developed the arts.Landscape and portrait paintings were

advanced.Han authors wrote many essays and

plays.Han authors also wrote history, which is

why we know about them.

Han Religions

The Han made Confucianism the official religion of China.

Han rulers also supported Daoism which teachers the key to happiness is accepting life as it is.

Chinese TradeThe Chinese product most in demand

by other people was silk.The trade route from China to Arabia

and Europe takes its name from silk. It was called the Silk Road.

Traders traveled from China with silk.They returned with lumber, horses, and

other products the Chinese people needed.

Map of the Silk Road

The Silk Road

The Chinese used the Silk Road to export their silk.

Export means that they sent their goods to other lands to be sold.

The Chinese also imported what they needed from other countries.

Import means goods that are brought in. The Chinese made profits, or money gained,

from their exporting on the Silk Road.