The Han Dynasty lasted over 400 years from 206 BC to 220 AD. During this time, the Han were great inventors and developed many technologies, including inventing the world's first seismograph in 132 AD. The Han also pioneered papermaking around 100 BC and advanced the arts with landscape paintings and plays. They established Confucianism as the official religion and used the Silk Road to export silk and import goods from other lands for trade and profit.

1. The Han Dynasty

2. The Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty lasted over 400 years
from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D.

3. Han Contributions
The Han were great inventors.
They invented many new technologies.
In 132 AD, a Han inventor invented the
world’s first seismograph, an instrument
that measures earthquakes.

4. First seismograph

5. Seismograph Today

6. Papermaking
The Han probably made paper for the
first time in 100 B.C.
The emperor found out about paper
about 200 years later in 100 A.D.

7. Chinese paper

8. Han Art
The Han also developed the arts.
Landscape and portrait paintings were
advanced.
Han authors wrote many essays and
plays.
Han authors also wrote history, which is
why we know about them.

10. Han Religions
The Han made Confucianism the official
religion of China.
Han rulers also supported Daoism
which teachers the key to happiness is
accepting life as it is.

11. Chinese Trade
The Chinese product most in demand
by other people was silk.
The trade route from China to Arabia
and Europe takes its name from silk. It
was called the Silk Road.
Traders traveled from China with silk.
They returned with lumber, horses, and
other products the Chinese people
needed.

12. Map of the Silk Road

13. The Silk Road
 The Chinese used the Silk Road to export
their silk.
 Export means that they sent their goods to
other lands to be sold.
 The Chinese also imported what they needed
from other countries.
 Import means goods that are brought in.
 The Chinese made profits, or money gained,
from their exporting on the Silk Road.