220 BC - AD 600 Early Dynasties

In 221 BC, the state of Qin emerged as the first ruler of a unified China: the name ‘China’ dates from this period (Qin is pronounced ‘Chin’). Under the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, script and currency were standardised, and a severe legal code was imposed.

After the First Emperor’s death a civil war erupted, before the Han dynasty established power in 206 BC. The Western Han (206 BC-AD 9) had their capital at Chang’an (modern Xi’an). The writings of Confucius and early historians were revived and became part of the education of a new civil service. State factories were developed for bronze, lacquer and textile production. Under the forceful emperor Wudi (140-87 BC), border territories were settled and the Silk Route through Central Asia opened up.

In AD 9-23, China was briefly ruled by Wang Mang, a former regent, but the Eastern Han dynasty was restored in AD 25, with its capital at Luoyang. Buddhism reached China, probably brought by traders from Central Asia. The Han dynasty, weakened by corruption and rebellion, ended in 220. A ‘Period of Disunity’ followed. Many dynasties arose, those in the south trying to revive Han traditions, those in the north formed by non-Chinese peoples. Finally, in 589, the Sui dynasty reunited China.