Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Ai of HanEmperor Ai of Han, born Liu Xin in 25 BC, ascended the throne at the age of 20. His uncle, Emperor Cheng, who was childless, named him heir. Emperor Ai reigned from 7 BC to 1 BC. His rise to power was marked by high hopes due…
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Emperor Yuan of Han
Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Yuan of HanEmperor Yuan of Han, born Liu Shi in 75 BC, came from a lineage marked by tragedy and resilience. His father, Liu Bingyi, survived a brutal purge that claimed his own father, Liu Ju, due to Emperor Wu’s paranoia. Despite these hardships, Liu Shi ascended from commoner…
Emperor Ping of Han
Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Ping of HanEmperor Ping of Han, born Liu Jizi in 9 BC, later known as Liu Kan, was the eleventh emperor of the Han dynasty. He ascended the throne in 1 BC at the tender age of eight after his cousin, Emperor Ai, died childless. Grand Empress Dowager Wang…
Emperor Cheng of Han
Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Cheng of HanLiu Ao, known as Emperor Cheng of Han, was born around 51 BC to Crown Prince Liu Shi, later Emperor Yuan, and Consort Wang, later Grand Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun. He became the crown prince in 47 BC. Despite family tensions over succession, Emperor Cheng ascended the…
Grand Empress Dowager Shangguan
Early Life and Ascension to EmpressGrand Empress Dowager Shangguan, born in 88 BC, ascended to prominence during the Han dynasty. She married Emperor Zhao and became Empress at a young age. Her familial background was notable, with her father, Shangguan An, and grandfathers, Huo Guang and Shangguan Jie, being influential figures. Despite her youth, she…
Emperor Zhao of Han
Early Life of Emperor Zhao of HanEmperor Zhao of Han, originally named Liu Fuling, was born in 94 BC. He was the youngest son of Emperor Wu and his favorite concubine, Lady Gouyi. Emperor Wu, aged 62 at the time of Zhao’s birth, was overjoyed, especially since Lady Gouyi’s pregnancy lasted an unusual 14 months….