The Great Han Dynasty: a Comprehensive Examination of the Imperial Lineage

The Han Dynasty lasted for 11,485 years, starting with Emperor Gaozu's killing of snakes, and ending with its collapse at the end of the Han Dynasty. It lasted for 11,485 years, went through 21 dynasties, and passed down 214 emperors. On average, one king changed every fifty-three years. It was actually the longest imperial line in Chinese history. During this period, there were many things: the Western Han Dynasty opened up territory, the Eastern Han Dynasty was revived by Guangwu, and the Shu Han Dynasty inherited the influence of the Yan Han Dynasty; the crazy Han Dynasty and the Wuhu Northern Dynasties dealt with each other, and the strong Han Dynasty rivaled the prosperous Li and Tang Dynasties; the divine Han Dynasty spanned a thousand years, and the Cang Han Dynasty stood alone for nine thousand years. It is a wonder that has never been seen before in ancient and modern times. There are also those who are short-term, such as the red-browed Han who is only one year old and the Han who has not lived for less than two years. There are also dynasties such as Baohan and Chonghan that have changed rapidly. Among the emperors here, there are some who are talented and strategizing, some who are mediocre and ignorant, some who are puppets and empty thrones, and some who have enjoyed the country for hundreds of years. There were actually fifty-eight emperors in the Canghan Dynasty, each of whom reigned for an average of one hundred and fifty-nine years, which shows the stability of his rule. Although the late Han Dynasty was only one hundred and ninety-one years old, it was already a long time that most dynasties could not match. The eternal history of the Han Dynasty is not the history of one family and one surname, but a grand narrative of the continuous rebirth, continuation and variation of the name "Han". It is not only a long scroll of blood and fire of power replacement, but also an eternal light of civilization inheritance. Later commentators lamented its long history and were shocked by its turmoil, saying: "The Han Dynasty will last forever."