In Chinese history, the Han Dynasty is divided into two major periods: the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD) and the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220). One of the most prosperous periods of the Han Dynasty was under the reign of Emperor Wu. During his reign, Emperor Wu dispatched Zhang Qian twice to the western regions, initiating the world-famous Silk Road.

Painted pottery figurine of a squatting woman, Western Han Dynasty, Shaanxi Provincial History Museum

ImageID: 0015425

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