Inventions

The Invention of Paper

          The earliest form of paper is traced back to the Western Han dynasty. Paper in the Han dynasty was made from pounded and desintegrated hemp fibers. The paper was thick and had an uneven texture, making it a little difficult to write on. Paper was used for recording important events and data.
          Paper was first devoloped in the Western Han dynasty. The paper was thick and uneven. In the Eastern Han dynasty, a court official named Cai Lun created a new type of paper. This paper was made out of bark, hemp, rags, fishnet, wheat stalks, and other materials. This new paper was cheap, thin, durable, and suitable for brush writing.
          The invention of paper had a giant impact on people's lives. Instead of having to write documents on bamboo or wooden strips, they now had paper to write on. Since paper was pretty inexpensive, most people could afford to buy it. Paper is still used today, and it is used almost everyday. The invention of paper from the Han dynasty impacted citizens living in the Han dynasty and citizens living today.

 

Paper during the Han dynasty

 

(http://www.archaic-jade.com/printing/engcp06.htm)

 

 

 

"Four Great Inventions of Ancient China- Paper". Chinadaily.2003. Ministry of Culture. 25 April 2013.<http://www1.chinaculture.org/gb/en_aboutchina/2003-09/24/content_26514.htm>

 

 

 



Opinion/ Editorial

Liu Bang for Emperor

Erin McElhinney, Staff Writer

           I believe that Liu Bang should become the first emperor of the Han dynasty. He proved to be a strong leader when he created the Han dynasty, so therefore he deserves to rule the dynasty. Liu Bang rebelled againist the Qin dynasty when he held the banner of rebellion. He eventually defeated the Qin dynasty in the Chu- Han War with the help of his ally Xiang Yu."In 206 BC, he rebelled against the rule of the Qin Dynasty and together with Xiang Yu, led the uprising army against the Qin. In October of 206 BC, he and his army attacked Xianyang, the capital city of the Qin and overthrew the Qin Dynasty" (Lui Bang - Emperor Gaozu of Western Han). After the Qin dynasty was defeated, his own ally, Xiang Yu, turned against Liu Bang. Liu Bang also became victorious over Xiang Yu. Liu Bang deserves to become the emperor of the Han dynasty because he was the one who created it. In order to defeat the Qin dynasty and Xiang Yu, he had to be strong and smart, which are important traits an emperor needs to be able to rule and govern a dynasty.

          Liu Bang also expanded the growth of the Han dynasty's culture and people. This was possible for Liu Bang because of his great leadership skills. "As an outstanding politician, strategist and director, he made great contributions to the development of Han people and its culture"(Lui Bang - Emperor Gaozu of Western Han). Liu Bang knows how to rule, and he does it well. He is talented in what he does, and he should rule the Han dynasty because of that. He is the person that the citizens can turn to when they are in trouble and he will be able to solve the problem. Liu Bang is the best canidate for the job of being the first emperor of the Han dynasty.

"Liu Bang-Emperor Gaozu of Western Han."Travel China Guide. 2013.25 April 2013. <http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/han/liubang.htm>

 

Front Page News Story

New Capitol in Western Han

Erin McElhinney, Staff Writer

          The new capitol, Chang'an, was built in Western Han. Chang'an means "a place of permanent peace". Construction of the capitol began under Emperor Gao Zu. Then, Emperor Han Wudi took over. Emperor Han Wudi built the walls surrounding the great city in only five years. The walls were made out of rammed earth. They were eight meters tall and sixteen meters thick.

          Construction began in 202 BCE. Chang'an was built because a capitol was needed for the Han dynasty.  Chang'an continued to be the capitol for twelve more dynasties after the Han dynasty. The location for Chang'an is perfect because there are eight rivers surrounding it, which makes for extremely fertile land.

Waugh, Daniel."Xi'an/Chang'an."Washington.2001. 25 April 2013. <http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/cities/china/xian/xian.html>

"Xi'an and Han Wudi."Sino Impression. 2010. 25 April 2013. <http://sino-impression.com/ScenicSpots2008129110247.html>

"Site of Capitol Chang'an of Han."Chinadaily.2003. Ministry of Culture. 25 April 2013. <http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_artqa/2003-09/24/content_39349.htm>

Map

                                         

                                 (http://www.artsmia.org/art-of-asia/history/han-dynasty-map.cfm)

             The Han dynasty was located in what is now considered China Proper. To the east of their land is the Pacific Ocean. The ocean provided trade routes, protection from invasion, and a source of food. To the north of the Han dynasty's land is the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall provided a border for the Han dynasty and protection from mongols. The Himalayan mountains are located in the southwest of the Han dynasty's land. The four major rivers of China, Yellow, Xi, Yangtze, and Wei, were also located in the Han dynasty's land. The capitol of the Han dynasty, Chang'an is also located in the Han dynasty's land.

 

"The Great Wall."Mr.Donn. 25 April 2013. <http://china.mrdonn.org/greatwall.html>

"Geography of China."Mr.Donn. 25 April 2013. <http://china.mrdonn.org/geography.html>