Birth of Liu Bang
Liu Bang was born in 256 BC in Pei County, which is now part of modern-day Jiangsu Province, China. He came from a family of farmers, which shaped his early life and perspectives on governance and society.
256 BC
209 BC
Liu Bang Joins the Rebellion Against Qin
In 209 BC, following the harsh rule of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang joined the rebellion against the Qin, initially as a low-ranking officer. His leadership skills quickly became evident, and he gained the loyalty of many followers during this tumultuous period.
206 BC
Liu Bang Declares Himself King of Han
After the fall of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BC, Liu Bang declared himself the King of Han. This marked the beginning of his rise to power as he sought to establish a new dynasty and restore stability to China.
202 BC
Liu Bang Becomes Emperor Gaozu of Han
In 202 BC, Liu Bang defeated his rival, Xiang Yu, in the Battle of Gaixia, which solidified his power. He then proclaimed himself Emperor Gaozu of Han, officially establishing the Han Dynasty.
202 BC
Establishment of the Han Dynasty's Capital
Emperor Gaozu of Han established the capital of the Han Dynasty in Chang'an (modern Xi'an), which became a major political and cultural center for the duration of the dynasty.
201 BC
Implementation of Policies for the People
Emperor Liu Bang initiated various policies aimed at alleviating the suffering of the common people, including land reforms and tax reductions, which helped gain popular support for the new Han Dynasty.
195 BC
Death of Empress Lu and Consolidation of Power
After the death of Empress Lu in 195 BC, Liu Bang's son, Liu Ying, became the new emperor. This event allowed Liu Bang to consolidate power and influence over the imperial court, ensuring the stability of the Han Dynasty.
188 BC
Death of Liu Bang's Rival, Xiang Yu's Descendants
In 188 BC, the remnants of Xiang Yu's faction were eliminated, further solidifying Liu Bang's control over the Han Dynasty and diminishing threats to his rule.
180 BC
Liu Bang's Death and Succession
Liu Bang, Emperor Gaozu of Han, died in 180 BC. His death marked the end of his reign, but his legacy continued through his descendants, who maintained the Han Dynasty for several more generations.
180 BC
Emperor Hui of Han Assumes the Throne
Following Liu Bang's death, his son Liu Ying, known as Emperor Hui of Han, ascended to the throne. Liu Bang's policies and reforms continued to influence the governance of the Han Dynasty during his son's reign.
141 BC
Expansion of the Han Empire Under Emperor Wu
Although Liu Bang had passed, his foundational work allowed for the expansion of the Han Empire under his grandson, Emperor Wu, who reigned from 141 BC and further solidified Liu Bang's legacy through military conquests and trade expansion along the Silk Road.
87 BC
Establishment of Confucianism as State Philosophy
During the reign of Emperor Wu, Confucianism, which Liu Bang had supported, was established as the state philosophy, significantly shaping Chinese culture and governance for centuries to come.
9 AD
Wang Mang's Usurpation and the Fall of the Western Han
The Western Han Dynasty, founded by Liu Bang, faced challenges leading to its eventual fall. In 9 AD, Wang Mang usurped the throne, marking the end of the Western Han period, but Liu Bang's legacy continued in the subsequent Eastern Han Dynasty.
25 AD
In 25 AD, the Han Dynasty was restored under the leadership of Liu Xiu, marking the beginning of the Eastern Han period. Liu Bang's contributions remained influential in shaping the ideals and policies of this new era.
2023 AD
In contemporary times, Liu Bang is celebrated as a pivotal figure in Chinese history. His life and achievements continue to be depicted in literature, film, and educational curricula, highlighting the enduring impact of Liu Bang on Chinese civilization.
