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Han Dynasty — Reading Comprehension

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This passage explores the Han Dynasty, a transformative era in Ancient China known for its remarkable inventions, territorial growth, and lasting influence on world history. Aligned with CA HSS 6.6 and CCSS RH.6-8.2, students will analyze social hierarchy, technological advancements like paper and the seismograph, the expansion of the Silk Road, and the impact of strong emperors such as Emperor Wu. The passage incorporates primary evidence, cause-and-effect relationships, and historical context, challenging students to think critically. Activities include a glossary, timeline, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers. Read aloud audio and a Spanish translation are provided, making this a comprehensive resource for world and ancient history classrooms.

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Han Earthquake-detecting Machine Model - 2 — Han Dynasty Earthquake-detecting Machine Model by Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons

The Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 BCE to 220 CE and is considered one of the greatest periods in Chinese history. During these four centuries, China experienced tremendous growth, both in territory and in ideas. The Han Dynasty followed the short-lived Qin Dynasty and brought stability and prosperity to the region, leaving a legacy that influenced Chinese culture for thousands of years.

One of the most important achievements of the Han Dynasty was the expansion of the empire's borders. Under strong emperors like Emperor Wu, the Han armies pushed westward, reaching as far as Central Asia. This expansion enabled the creation of the Silk Road, a trade network connecting China with the Mediterranean world. This network allowed valuable goods like silk, spices, and jade to move across continents. Archaeological evidence, such as silk fragments found in ancient Roman sites, shows how far Han products traveled.

The Han Dynasty was also a golden age of innovation. Chinese inventors developed paper around 105 CE, which made writing and record-keeping much easier than previous methods using bamboo or silk. Another important invention was the seismograph, a device that detected earthquakes. The Chinese historian Sima Qian wrote detailed records during this period, giving historians an invaluable primary source about Han society and daily life.

Society in the Han Dynasty was organized in a strict hierarchy. At the top was the emperor, followed by nobles, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. The civil service system allowed talented individuals to earn government jobs by passing exams, rather than just being born into noble families. This encouraged education and helped create a capable government. Farmers were highly respected, as agriculture was the backbone of the Han economy, while merchants, though often wealthy, had a lower social status. Daily life was shaped by Confucian values, emphasizing respect for elders and the importance of family.

The Han Dynasty's inventions and expansion had lasting effects on China and the world. The spread of Chinese goods and ideas through the Silk Road connected distant cultures, while paper and other technologies changed the way people lived and communicated. The civil service system became a model for later governments, showing how merit could be valued over birthright. The Han Dynasty’s achievements are still remembered as a high point in Chinese civilization.

This period shows how innovations and expansion can shape not only one society, but also the wider world by connecting people and ideas across great distances.

Interesting Fact: Ban Zhao, a famous Han Dynasty female historian, wrote "Lessons for Women," one of the earliest surviving works on women’s education in world history.

When did the Han Dynasty begin?

206 BCE105 CE220 CE141 BCE

Which emperor expanded Han borders?

Emperor WuSima QianBan ZhaoCai Lun

What did the Silk Road connect?

China and MediterraneanChina and IndiaRome and GreeceJapan and Korea

What was invented around 105 CE?

PaperGunpowderThe compassPorcelain

Why was the civil service system important?

It chose leaders by examsIt built trade routesIt made silkIt invented paper

How did Han inventions change society?

Made life easierStopped warsEnded tradeLowered taxes