Han Dynasty

Good greetings, I am the great Emperor Wu Di of the Han Dynasty.  I have had many great accomplishments over my period of reign (141-87 B.C.).  I have recently become very ill, and I may pass away in the next few years.  I have ruled over the Han Dynasty since the tender age of fifteen, and in my time I have had many great accomlishments that I triumph with pride.  My most prominent contribution to recent history has been the construction of the Silk Road.  This is a revolutionary interconnection of trade routes throughout China.  These trade routes allowed a much improved level of communication and trading throughout all parts of Asia and China.  In my time, I also influenced poetrry and art, and I truly tried to bring philosophy and more culture to this great country.

Now let me take you back many years to the Han Dynasty before my reign; and after that I will share with you the predicted future of this dynasty.  The Han Dynasty, beginning in 206 B.C., began when the great Emperor Qin was defeated, and at the start of this new control, China began to feel reunited.  During this time, many detailed historical records were kept, as well as the Shiji was written.  This was one of the first real records kept of history.  Confucianism was important in this period, and its many philosophies were enforced.  Many people divided this time into the easterna and western Han Dynasties.  Many great inventions also emerged during this time, such as paper, water clocks, sundials, and the seismograph.

This was a great time, and without my great contributions, China would not be where it is today.

Sincerely,

Emperor Wu Di