Early Life and Ascension of Emperor Cheng of Han Liu 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…
Grand Empress Dowager Shangguan
Early Life and Ascension to Empress Grand 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,…
Emperor Zhao of Han
Early Life of Emperor Zhao of Han Emperor 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…
Emperor Wu of Han
Emperor Wu of Han: A Pivotal Figure in Chinese History Emperor Wu of Han, born Liu Che on March 29, 156 BC, ascended as the seventh emperor of the Han dynasty from 141 to 87 BC. His 54-year reign marked the longest until the Kangxi Emperor over 1,800 years later. Emperor Wu’s era saw significant…
Qin Shi Huang
Early Life and Rise to Power Qin Shi Huang was born in February 259 BC in Handan, the capital of Zhao. His birth name was Ying Zheng or Zhao Zheng. His father, King Zhuangxiang of Qin, and his mother, Lady Zhao, played pivotal roles in his early life. The influential merchant Lü Buwei helped him…
King Ling of Zhou
Reign and Family of King Ling of Zhou King Ling of Zhou, born Ji Xiexin, was the twenty-third king of the Zhou dynasty. He reigned as the eleventh king of Eastern Zhou. His reign ended with his death in 545 BC. Notably, Confucius was born in the twenty-first year of King Ling’s reign. King Ling’s…