Liu-Bang, born in 256 BCE in the state of Han, was the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty, ruling from 202 to 195 BCE. Known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han, his reign marked the transition from the Qin Dynasty to the Han Dynasty, one of the longest-lasting imperial dynasties in China.
Liu-Bang came from a humble background. He was the son of a peasant farmer but later served as a minor official in Fengpei county. His early life was marked by a lack of formal education, but he was known for his charisma, generosity, and ability to gather followers.
His path to power began during the decline of the Qin Dynasty when he joined the rebellion against the Qin rule. Liu-Bang initially served under Xiang Yu, but their alliance soon turned into rivalry. After the fall of Qin, Liu-Bang and Xiang Yu fought in the Chu-Han Contention, a power struggle that lasted several years. Liu-Bang ultimately defeated Xiang Yu at the Battle of Gaixia in 202 BCE, establishing his supremacy.
Upon ascending the throne, Liu-Bang implemented several policies:
Liu-Bang's reign laid the foundation for the Han Dynasty, which is often considered a golden age in Chinese history due to its cultural, economic, and technological advancements. His approach to governance, emphasizing Confucian values like Ren (benevolence) and Li (ritual propriety), had a lasting impact on Chinese political philosophy.
Emperor Gaozu died in 195 BCE. His death was followed by a brief period of political instability due to his choice of successor, which was his young son Emperor Hui. However, the Han Dynasty continued under the regency of his consort, Empress Lü Zhi, until her death in 180 BCE.