The Sui and Tang Dynasties

The Warring States Period was not only a military competition for total regional dominance, but an intellectual arms race that allowed The Hundred Schools of Thought to develop and guide the ultimate victor towards political unification through efficient and pragmatic governing practices. There were three major philosophies that kings followed in hopes of unifying the several warring states under their own dominion:Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism. Confucianism dealt with governance through the king’s virtue, Daoism sought balance through a lack of governing, and Legalism required the state to strictly enforce laws in order to establish firm order throughout the kingdom.

China was ruled by different dynasties, or ruling families, over the centuries. China was ruled by emperors. Emperors need help ruling such a large country, because it was so large they hired qualified people to administer their government. Emperor Han Wu Di sent out an announcement to find find the most qualified people to help him.

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) was one of the longest of China’s major dynasties. In terms of power and prestige, the Han Dynasty in the East rivalled its almost contemporary Roman Empire in the West. With only minor interruptions it lasted a span of over four centuries and was considered a golden age in Chinese history especially in arts, politics and technology. All subsequent Chinese dynasties looked back to the Han period as an inspiring model of a united empire and self-perpetuating government.

Qin Shi Huang (or Shi Huangdi) was the First Emperor of a unified China, who ruled from 246 BCE to 210 BCE. In his 35-year reign, he managed to create magnificent and enormous construction projects. He also caused both incredible cultural and intellectual growth, and much destruction within China.

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) was one of the longest of China’s major dynasties. In terms of power and prestige, the Han Dynasty in the East rivalled its almost contemporary Roman Empire in the West. With only minor interruptions it lasted a span of over four centuries and was considered a golden age in Chinese history especially in arts, politics and technology. All subsequent Chinese dynasties looked back to the Han period as an inspiring model of a united empire and self-perpetuating government.