The first emperor of the Han Dynasty was Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang), who reigned from 202 BC to 195 BC.
Emperor Gaozu was born in the year 256 BC in modern-day Xingyang, Henan Province. His father, Liu He, was a minor landowner who served as an officer in the imperial army in the Qin dynasty. Gaozu was known for his intelligence and his ambition, and he eventually managed to get himself appointed to high positions in the state of Qin during the period of the Warring States.
In 209 BC, Liu Bang led his followers to form an army and take part in a rebellion against the oppressive Qin dynasty. After winning numerous battles and conquering several cities, Liu Bang declared himself Emperor of the Han Dynasty in 202 BC and established the new capital at Chang’an (modern day Xi’an).
Emperor Gaozu continued to expand the boundaries of the Han Dynasty throughout the remainder of his reign, both through military campaigns and by forming alliances with other states. He also issued a series of edicts, which are known as the “Edicts of Gaozu”, that formed the basis of Han administrative law and set out the responsibilities of the emperor and his governors.
Gaozu died in 195 BC and was succeeded by his son, Emperor Hui. Liu Bang is remembered as being a wise and capable ruler who was able to unify China after centuries of war and civil unrest. He is also credited with laying the foundation for much of what would become the success of the Han Dynasty, which would last for over 400 years.