The History of China

The Han is finally ending, once and for all. And with that, I have told the story I set out to tell

After literally years, we have reached the penultimate episode for the Han Dynasty. The yellow turban rebellion is here, and with it, the end of the Han. Things are not as simple as they may seem, though, and what truly brings it all down is what we have spent the last 10 episodes dealing with. The Han dug a grave, but finally...they are laying in it

Rome meets China (officially), and the Eunuchs take over. That's one heck of a sentence, but the people have finally had enough. It seems they (rightfully) have decided the emperor has lost the Mandate of Heaven

Like Darth Vader finally being put into his suit, Liang Ji has reached his final form. His scheming worked, and it was continuing to work...all at the expense of honest government. Will he be stopped? Can he be stopped?

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Happy Holidays to all, but it won't be happy if you are in Liang J's way. One of the best villains we have seen so far is here. All that, and more

The show is back! For a long time, mind you - something the Eastern Han can't say...

An Emperor named An, and one who is remembered for corruption and vice at that. Oh, and the guy that invented paper is back. Listen now for all that, and more.

Emperor He is a nice guy...that's great and all, but does that make him a competent head of state? No, no it does not. But also, Gan Ying ends up in Parthia and learns about Da Qin. Da Qin? Oh, that is what the Han called Rome.

Somethings things slip away without you realizing, and that is what is happening here to the Eastern Han. But it is not all bad, buckle up as we deal with a Godfather style takeover, meet the man behind the "Book of Han", and oh yah, Rome.

The foundation was laid, now it is time to reap those rewards. But when times are good, court dramas come back...oh, and the person who invents paper shows up. All that and more on this episode. Listen now!

On today's intro we dive into the early story of Buddhism and its early practices/beliefs, oh, and the end of Emperor Ming.

Buddhism is here...sort of. And Emperor Ming does not take kindly to people hiring warlocks to curse him.

Thank you to all of you who have listened and made the show what it is. So, without further delay, the 50th episode special!

Unification is more or less set, thus Emperor Guangwu must embark on a new challenge: actually governing. In this episode, we explore the continued genius of Emperor Guangwu (formally Liu Xiu) as he navigates these sensitive times.

On part two of our two part story, we reach the moment of the Eastern Han's creation. A story of absolute tactical and political brilliance (and so much more), buckle up for what is to come. All that, and more.

In part one of this two part story, we dive into the wild game of thrones that erupts with the fall of Wang Mang. It's one of the best stories in a while, so buckle up.

Chinese New Year Special! Listen to learn some basics about the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, from the history, the myths, and the modern times.

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No, not an episode about beauty trends. Instead, policy issues coupled with catastrophic natural disasters create an untenable situation for the peasant farms of the Han...I mean new Xin Dynasty (created by Wang Mang). Enter the Red Eyebrows amongst other rebel bandit groups forced into a decentralized situation as they stumble into the position of bringing down the Xin Dynasty of Wang Mang as fast as it came about. All that, and more, on this week's episode.

We finally reached an epoch shifting moment. There is a lot, so buckle up....

Before the Han Dynasty gets thrown into the tornado of problems described last episode, let's dive into a Dynasty-Wide check in. Money, policy, technology, and of course, a conspiracy so wild you won't want to miss it....even if it is doubtful at best.

The court dramas of the last few episodes are coming to an end. Emperor Yuan leaves his Emperor Cheng Arrives. You thought Henry VIII had a tough time making heirs? Oh my....you never heard of emperor Cheng...All that and more.

Want political drama? This episode is for you. Political factions fight for influence, all while the Xiongnu are made "Son-in-Law of Han". All that and More

No, that's not a garage rock band title. Emperor Xuan was faced with the rumors that Huo Guang's wife had actually been behind his Empress's death. We dive into that, another conspiracy, and the rest of Emperor Xuan's reign.

Emperor Xuan is finally emperor. But he knows a good thing when he sees it, and opts to keep Huo Guang on....but Huo Guang can't do 2 things. 1) He cannot live forever 2) He cannot actually control anyone not named "Huo Guang". This is his illustrious final chapter. All that and more.

Huo Guang shows himself to be one of the most important non-Emperors in the Han government to date. Emperor Zhao won't be here for a long time, or even a good time for that matter. A controversial incident gives us something to ponder, a new emperor is so bad unprecedented actions are required..all that and more on this week's episode.

Emperor Wu is gone and now his 8 year old son must become Emperor Zhao. But like all child emperors, a regent runs the government for him. This episode dives into the complex court drama that revolved around the regents and those around the young emperor. All that and more on this episode.

With Emperor Wu and Sima Qian both gone, this episode dives into the prolific historian himself. Furthermore, we put Buddhism on our radar and end with a look into the beginnings of standardized testing. All that and more on this week's episode.

We finally reach the end of Emperor Wu's historic and historically long reign. More conquests, more policy questions, revolts, and....a big witch hunt - literally. All that and more on this week's episode!

This episode sees the Han Supernova....rapid expansion at never before seen rates. Also, we cover in any missing pieces that happened during, just before, and after the Han-Xiongnu War.

So, this is an unnumbered episode, a treat if you will. After finishing up the main part of the Han - Xiongnu War, what better way to cram a special episode than now. The Huns.

We are back, and this episode tackles effectively the end of the Han-Xiongnu war and the Battle of Mobei. This battle is one of the most incredible military encounters we have looked at so far, so you won't want to miss it. Also....the results here will create ripples that will be felt hundreds of years later...in the Roman Empire. All that and more.

It is here, the gloves are off. The Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu are at war. This episode covers the hectic initial stage as both armies trade body blows.

In this week's episode, we cover the entirety of Emperor Jing's reign. With the Rebellion of the Seven States being the focal point of his reign, we listen to see if he can indeed keep the Han on track....and also....it is finally here.....the Han-Xiongnu War...

Emperor Wen ruled longer than all the previous Han Emperors combined. In this episode, we look at the back half of his long and prosperous reign and into the beginning of his son's. Rouge brothers, Xiongnu incursions, and fraudulent clerics show us the challenges Emperor Wen would indeed face. As for his son, well he is about to have seven states rebel. All that and more in this week's episode!

We all know by now that the Han has not been off to the hottest of starts. However, in 180 BC, a new emperor looks to change that. Through Confucian and Taoist doctrines, Emperor Wen of Han brings some much needed stability to the dynasty, and in turn, creates the foundation that all later emperors of the Han would use to continue its prosperity.

The problems for the Han Dynasty were already piling up when Emperor Gao died in 195 BC. However, proceeding his death, his wife - Empress Dowager Lü - threw everything out of whack. For nearly 20 years, Empress Dowager Lü ruled the Han as a regent through endless killing and torture. It truly is the Empress Lü Horror Show.

The wait is over, as the Xiongnu finally strike back. And boy did they ever strike back.....This week we cover the Xiongnu, the Han dynasty's disastrous response, and the later death of Emperor Gao.

To understand all of the issues the Han would face, we must understand China and the Han Dynasty at a societal level. Confucianism is ushered back in, but what were the social classes? What was life like? How was the military comprised? Find out the answers to those questions and more on this weeks episode.

As fast as it came about, the Qin Dynasty collapsed. What would replace it was not clear at the time, so on this episode, listen as we dive into the death throes of the Qin and the ascension of the Han. Back stabbing court officials, massive battles, and political intrigue are on full display as the new dynasty comes to the forefront of history.

Qin Shi Huang Di has a lot to do. He is going to send troops to conquer more land, this time to the South. He was going to try and standardize thought, and he was going to try and live forever. But in the event he couldn't live forever, he built one of the most incredible burial sites ever. His tomb would be guarded by over 8,000 Terracotta soldiers, though this tomb was thought to be another gross ancient chronicle exaggeration. That is, until 1974....Listen to now to hear it all and more!