Liu Bang (256–195 BC), also called Emperor Gaozu when he ruled, was the first emperor of theHan Dynasty从公元前202年到他的死亡。从一个卑微的peasant background, he become an outstanding politician, strategist, and finally emperor. He made great contributions to the development of the Han people and its culture.
Liu Bang's Early Life
Liu Bang was born to a peasant family in 256 in Fenyu Village (枌榆社), Zhongyang Township (中陽里), Feng County (豐邑) in the state of Chu during the late years of theWarring States Period(475–221 BC).
The young Liu Bang was outspoken, charismatic and of great generosity and forbearance. However, he enjoyed loafing, disliked reading, didn't show any interest in farming and manual labour, and frequently ran into trouble with the law.
Later he became a low ranking official and started to become well-known among the neighborhoods. He happened to seeEmperor Qin (The First Emperor)in his gorgeous carriage one day and it impressed him so much that he started to develop strength in his own character also.
Liu Bang's Rise to Power
TheQin Dynasty(221–206 BC) that ruled at that time had an oppressive and cruel regime. Maltreatment of the people made the Qin court very unpopular andprovoked rebellionall over the empire.
Liu Bang rose in rebellion against the Qin Empire in the late Qin Dynasty. He conquered territories and defeated rival armies to emerge as the Emperor of the Han Empire in 202 BC. He established the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) that lasted for over 400 years, the longest dynasty in the history of China.
The Han Empire
TheHan Empirehas the honor of being the dynasty with thelongest durationin the whole2,100 year era of imperial rulein china. It lasted 426 years or about 100 years longer than other long lasting dynasties such as the Tang and Qing. The rule was interrupted by a coup in the middle by the Xin Dynasty (9–23 AD) which divided the whole period into two eras called the Western Han (206 BC – 9 AD) and Eastern Han (25–220 AD). After the division, stability returned and the same dynastic clan continued ruling.
Liu Bang's Rule as Emperor Gaozu
After the tyrannical rule of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang's ruleallowed more freedom. He showed particular concern for reviving the rural economy and for lightening the tax burden on the peasants.
Thoughgenerally humane in civil matters, he dealt harshly with those who threatened his reign from within China. He tried to win the support of the common people by treating them less harshly than the Qin rulers before him.
Heallowed other leaders to have kingdomsin the eastern part of the empire, and they spread over most of the territory of the empire. The imperial court had direct power over the western third of the empire.
Cultural Values of the Han Empire
Liu Bang inherited a large empire and the foundation of imperial rule laid by the Qin court. He utilized astandardized written languagefor the whole empire that had been promulgated by the previous system.
Liu Bang alsoinherited the military technology and tacticsthat had enabled the Qin Dynasty to form their empire.
Helaid great emphasis onConfucianism. In his early days, he disliked reading and scorned Confucianism. After becoming the emperor, he still held the same attitudes towards Confucianism but his favorite Confucian teacher convinced him of the need for the philosophy, which he then accepted and promoted.
The Song of the Great Windwas a song composed by Liu Bang in 195 BC when he visited his hometown in Pei County after suppressing a rebellion. He prepared a banquet and invited all his old friends and townsfolk to join him. After some drinks, Liu Bang played theguqinand sang the Song of the Great Wind.
The Legend of the Dragon (Liu Bang)
Liu Bang was often thought to have the semblance of a dragon.The dragonis an important symbol in China. In the Chinese zodiac, it symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck, and success.
According to legend, it is said that Liu Bang encountered a snake as it got in his way in the wild, and he cut it into two halves with his sword. An old woman told people that she saw a dragon killing a snake in the wild sopeople believed that Liu Bang was the incarnation of the Dragon. According to another legend, it is said that Liu Ao (mother of Liu Bang) bore Liu Bang by dreaming of copulating with a dragon.
Liu Bang's Death
Liu Bang was wounded by a stray arrow during the campaign against Ying Bu. He became seriously ill and remained in his inner chambers for a long period of time. He died in Changle Palace (長樂宮) on June 1, 195 BC and was succeeded by his son Liu Ying, who became historically known as Emperor Hui.
