the han dynasty · 2018. 12. 5. · the han dynasty the han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty...

The Han Dynasty The Han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China (206 BCE–220 CE), preceded by the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE) and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE). Spanning over four centuries, the Han period is considered a golden age in Chinese history. It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han, and briefly interrupted by the Xin dynasty (9–23 AD) of the former regent Wang Mang. This interregnum separates the Han dynasty into two periods: the Western Han or Former Han (206 BCE – 9 CE) and the Eastern Han or Later Han (25–220 CE).

The emperor was at the pinnacle of Han society. He presided over the Han government but shared power with both the nobility and appointed ministers who came largely from the scholarly gentry class. The Han Empire was divided into areas directly controlled by the central government using an innovation inherited from the Qin known as commanderies, and a number of semi-autonomous kingdoms. These kingdoms gradually lost all vestiges of their independence, particularly following the Rebellion of the Seven States.

The Han dynasty was an age of economic prosperity and saw a significant growth of the money economy first established during the Zhou dynasty(c. 1050–256 BCE). The coinage issued by the central government mint in 119 BC remained the standard coinage of China until the Tang dynasty(618–907 CE).

The Xiongnu, a nomadic steppe confederation, defeated the Han in 200 BCE and forced the Han to submit as a de facto inferior partner, but continued their raids on the Han borders. Emperor Wu of Han (r. 141–87 BCE) launched several military campaigns against them. The ultimate Han victory in these wars eventually forced the Xiongnu to accept vassal status as Han tributaries. These campaigns expanded Han sovereignty into the Tarim Basin of Central Asia, divided the Xiongnu into two separate confederations, and helped establish the vast trade network known as the Silk Road, which reached as far as the Mediterranean world.

The territories north of Han's borders were quickly overrun by the nomadic Xianbei confederation. Emperor Wu also launched successful military expeditions in the south, annexing Nanyue in 111 BCE and Dian in 109 BCE, and in the Korean Peninsula where the Xuantu and Lelang Commanderies were established in 108 BCE. After 92 CE, the palace eunuchs increasingly involved themselves in court politics, engaging in violent power struggles between the various consort clans of the empresses and empresses dowager, causing the Han's ultimate downfall. Imperial authority was also seriously challenged by large Daoist religious

societies which instigated the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion. Following the death of Emperor Ling (r. 168–189 CE), the palace eunuchs suffered wholesale massacre by military officers, allowing members of the aristocracy and military governors to become warlords and divide the empire. When Cao Pi, King of Wei, usurped the throne from Emperor Xian, the Han dynasty ceased to exist.

At the beginning of the Han dynasty, every male commoner aged twenty-three was liable for conscription into the military. The minimum age for the military draft was reduced to twenty after Emperor Zhao's (87–74 BCE) reign. Conscripted soldiers underwent one year of training and one year of service as non-professional soldiers. The year of training was served in one of three branches of the armed forces: infantry, cavalry or navy.[198] The year of active service was served either on the frontier, in a king's court or under the Minister of the Guards in the capital. A small professional (paid) standing army was stationed near the capital.

During the Eastern Han, conscription could be avoided if one paid a commutable tax. The Eastern Han court favored the recruitment of

a volunteer army.The volunteer army comprised the Southern Army (Nanjun 南軍), while the standing army stationed in and near the

capital was the Northern Army (Beijun 北北軍). Led by Colonels, the Northern Army consisted of five regiments, each composed of

several thousand soldiers. When central authority collapsed after 189 AD, wealthy landowners, members of the aristocracy/nobility, and regional military-governors relied upon their retainers to act as their own personal troops

During times of war, the volunteer army was increased, and a much larger militia was raised across the country to

supplement the Northern Army. In these circumstances, a General (Jiangjun 將軍) led a division, which

was divided into regiments led by Colonels and sometimes Majors (Sima 司⾺馬). Regiments were

divided into companies and led by Captains. With the accession of James the Sixth of Scotland to the English throne the wars died out in 1603.

 

Army Commander 1 Any Professional Dates 206 BCE – 9 CE

Sub-Generals 1-3 Any Professional TERRAIN Coastal, Mountains, Forest

Internal allied General 0-1 Any Professional Camp Unfortified or Fortified :Poor or Average

Name Type Quality Shooting ProtectionWEAPONRY Characteristics Min

MaxUG Size

MELEE Mandatory Optional

Standing Army - Beijun 北軍Battle Chariots, only before 100BC

Battle ChariotAverage

ExperiencedProtected

Light Spear - - 04,6

Formed Loose Crossbow - - - 6

Heavy CavalryCavalry

AverageExperienced

ProtectedLight Spear Shoot and Charge Melee Expert 0

4,6Drilled Loose Crossbow - - Dismountable 16

Nu - Best Missile Troops

InfantryAverage


- - Combat Shy 06,8

Drilled Loose Crossbow - - Caltrops 16

Ji - Best Close FightersInfantry

Average-

ProtectedPolearm - Combat Shy 0

6,8Drilled Flexible - - - Caltrops 16

Combined Best infantry *

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Polearm - Combat Shy 0


InfantryAverage


- - Combat Shy 0


Conscripted army - Nanjun 南軍


AverageExperienced


4,6Formed Flexible Crossbow - - Dismountable 16

Nu - Conscript Missile Troops

InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 12**6,8


Ji - Conscript Close Fighters

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Polearm - Combat Shy 6**6,8

Formed Flexible - - - - 24

Combined Conscript infantry *

InfantryAverage

-Protected



InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 0


Chang'’an Western Han

 


MaxUG Size


Mao Conscript Close Fighters

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Long Spear - Combat Shy 06,8


Yan Conscript Close Fighters

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Light Spear - Combat Shy 06,8


Optional Troops

Horse ArchersCavalry

AverageExperienced

Protected- - - 0

4,6Formed Flexible Bow - - - 18

Dependant State Cavalry

CavalryAverage

ExperiencedUnprotected

Light Spear - Melee Expert 04,6

Formed Flexible Bow - - - 12

Convict Labour troopsInfantry

Average-

Unprotected - - Combat Shy 0

8,9,10Tribal Loose - - - - 10

Bolt ShootersArtillery

AverageExperienced

Unprotected - - - 0

2,4Formed Loose Light Artillery - - - 4

Stone ThrowersArtillery

AverageExperienced

Unprotected - - - 0


Archers Infantry

AverageExperienced

Unprotected- - Combat Shy 0

6,8,9Skirmisher Bow - - - 18

NOTES

*Han Combined infantry TuGs consist of 1 front rank base of Ji (Polearm) armed troops and a 2nd and 3rd ranks of Nu (Crossbowmen). The

bases from combined TuGs taken in this way deduct from the minima and maximum of the component troops.

** Mimimum only applies if any non- Cavalry bases are used.

 Luoyang Eastern Han Army Commander 1 Any Professional Dates 25–220 CE

Sub-Generals 1-3 Any Professional TERRAIN Coastal, Mountains, Forest

Internal allied General 0-1 Any Professional Camp Unfortified or Fortified :Poor or Average


MaxUG Size


Standing Army - Beijun 北軍

Yueji Guard CavalryCavalry

SuperiorExperienced


4,6Formed Loose Crossbow - - Dismountable 12

SheshengInfantry

AverageSkilled

Protected- - - 0

6,8Drilled Loose Crossbow - - Caltrops 8

Nu Missile TroopsInfantry

AverageExperienced

Protected- - Combat Shy 0

6,8Drilled Loose Crossbow - - Caltrops 16

FubingInfantry

Superior-

ProtectedPolearm - - 0


Ji Close FightersInfantry

Average-



Volunteer army


AverageExperienced


4,6Formed Flexible Crossbow - - Dismountable 16

Nu - Volunteer Missile Troops

InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 12*6,8


Ji - Volunteer Close Fighters

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Polearm - Combat Shy 6*6,8


Mao Volunteer Close Fighters

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Long Spear - Combat Shy 06,8


Yan Volunteer Close Fighters

InfantryAverage

-Protected

Light Spear - Combat Shy 06,8


 


MaxUG Size


Optional Troops

Horse ArchersCavalry

AverageExperienced

Protected- - - 0



CavalryAverage




Convict Labour troopsInfantry

Average-

Unprotected - Combat Shy - 0

8,9,10Tribal Loose - - - - 10

Tribal AuxiliariesInfantry

Average-

ProtectedDevastating Chargers - Combat Shy 0

6,8,9Tribal Loose - - - - 18

Tribal AuxiliariesCavalry

AverageExperienced

ProtectedLight Spear - Melee Expert 0

4,6Tribal Flexible Bow - - - 18

Bolt ShootersArtillery

AverageExperienced

Unprotected - - - 0


Stone ThrowersArtillery

AverageExperienced

Unprotected - - - 0


Archers Infantry

AverageExperienced



NOTES

** Mimimum only applies if any non- Cavalry bases are used.

 

Army Commander 1 Any Instinctive Dates 250 BCE - 300CE

Sub-Generals 1-2 Any Instinctive TERRAIN Plains

Internal allied General 0-1 Any Instinctive Camp Unfortified or Mobile :Poor or Average


MaxUG Size


Best CavalryCavalry

SuperiorSkilled


4,6Formed Loose Bow - - - 6


AverageExperienced

ProtectedLight Spear - - 6


Upgrade Heavy Cavalry

CavalryAverage


Light Spear Melee Expert - 04,6

Formed Loose Bow - - - 1/2

Other CavalryCavalry

AverageExperienced



Upgrade Other Cavalry

CavalryAverage

SkilledUnprotected

- - Combat Shy 04,6

Formed Flexible Bow - - - 1/2

Foot Archers

InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 06,8

Tribal Loose Bow - - - 12

InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 06,8,9

Skirmisher Bow - - - 18

Levy ToopsInfantry

Average-

Unprotected - - Combat Shy 0

8,9,10Tribal Loose - - - - 10

Tribal AuxiliariesInfantry

Average-

ProtectedDevastating Chargers - Combat Shy 0

6,8,9Tribal Loose - - - - 27

NOTES

Subjugated Di infantryInfantry

Average-

ProtectedLight Spear - Combat Shy 0

6,8Tribal Flexible - - - - 48

Subjugated Di Archers Infantry

AverageExperienced



Xiongnu

NOTES

The Xiongnu were a confederation of nomadic peoples who inhabited the eastern Asian Steppe from the 3rd century BC to the late 1st century AD. Chinese

sources report that Modu Chanyu, the supreme leader after 209 BC, founded the Xiongnu Empire.

After their previous overlords, the Yuezhi, migrated into Central Asia during the 2nd century BC, the Xiongnu became a dominant power on the steppes of

north-east Central Asia, centred on an area known later as Mongolia.

Han China started making preparations for a military confrontation from the reign of Emperor Wen, the break did not come until 133 BC, following an

abortive trap to ambush the chanyu at Mayi. By that point the empire was consolidated politically, militarily and economically, and was led by an adventurous

pro-war faction at court. In that year, Emperor Wu reversed the decision he had made the year before to renew the peace treaty.

Full-scale war broke out in autumn 129 BC, when 40,000 Chinese cavalry made a surprise attack on the Xiongnu at the border markets. In 127 BC, the Han

general Wei Qing retook the Ordos. In 121 BC, the Xiongnu suffered another setback when Huo Qubing led a force of light cavalry westward out of Longxi

and within six days fought his way through five Xiongnu kingdoms. The Xiongnu Hunye king was forced to surrender with 40,000 men. In 119 BC both Huo

and Wei, each leading 50,000 cavalrymen and 100,000 footsoldiers (in order to keep up with the mobility of the Xiongnu, many of the non-cavalry Han

soldiers were mobile infantrymen who traveled on horseback but fought on foot), and advancing along different routes, forced the chanyu and his court to flee

north of the Gobi Desert. Major logistical difficulties limited the duration and long-term continuation of these campaigns. Firstly there was the problem of

supplying food across long distances. Secondly, the weather in the northern Xiongnu lands was difficult for Han soldiers, who could never carry enough

fuel. According to official reports, the Xiongnu lost 80,000 to 90,000 men, and out of the 140,000 horses the Han forces had brought into the desert, fewer

than 30,000 returned to China.

As a result of these battles, the Chinese controlled the strategic region from the Ordos and Gansu corridor to Lop Nor. They succeeded in separating the

Xiongnu from the Qiang peoples to the south, and also gained direct access to the Western Regions. Because of strong Chinese control over the Xiongnu, the

Xiongnu became unstable and were no longer a threat to the Han Chinese. Xiongnu among other people in Asia around 1 AD.

Ban Chao, Protector General of the Han dynasty, embarked with an army of 70,000 men in a campaign against the Xiongnu insurgents who were

harassing the trade route we now know as the Silk Road. His successful military campaign saw the subjugation of one Xiongnu tribe after another. Ban Chao

also sent an envoy named Gan Ying to Daqin. Ban Chao was created the Marquess of Dingyuan for his services to the Han Empire and returned to the

capital Luoyangat the age of 70 years and died there in the year 102. Following his death, the power of the Xiongnu in the Western Regions increased again,

and the emperors of subsequent dynasties were never again able to reach so far to the west.

 

Army Commander 1 Any Instinctive Dates 315 BCE - 300CE

Sub-Generals 0 Any Instinctive TERRAIN Qiang - Mountains , Di - Coastal



MaxUG Size


CavalryCavalry

AverageExperienced



Upgrade CavalryCavalry

SuperiorExperienced



Best InfantryInfantry

Superior-

ProtectedLight Spear - Integral Archers 0

6,8Tribal Loose - - - - 18

InfantryInfantry

Average-

ProtectedLight Spear - Combat Shy 0

6,8,9Tribal Loose - - - Integral Archers 64

Foot Archers

InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 06,8


InfantryAverage




Allies

Xiongnu - any instinctive

NOTES

The Han dynasty also had to deal with the Qiang and Di on the western border. The had constantly been involved in skirmishes against the dynasty since the

middle of Western Han dynasty. As the Eastern Han dynasty declined, the Qiang, nominal ancestors of modern Tibetans, began planning major invasions.

Through spies and collaborators, the Han court knew about the situation and had to deploy soldiers near the border to fend off Qiang skirmishes and small-

scale invasions.

Although few major Qiang invasions were carried out, never successfully, such a military deployment constantly drained the treasury and was a cradle for

ambitious militarists, the most famous of whom was Dong Zhuo (130s–192), the pretender to the Han court from 189-192. The more the Han court

weakened through domestic problems. The Wuhuan were a frequent ally with the Han court against Xianbei and the Southern Xiongnu, although they also

sometimes allied with the Xiongnu to fend off joint attacks by the Han and Xianbei.

The Qiang were herders who lived in the highlands, the Di farmed in the river valleys and lived in wood frame homes with mud walls.

Qiang and Di

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di_(Five_Barbarians)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di_(Five_Barbarians)

 

Army Commander 1 Any Instinctive Dates 90 CE -300CE

Sub-Generals 1-2 Any Instinctive TERRAIN Plains



MaxUG Size


Best CavalryCavalry

SuperiorSkilled




AverageExperienced

ProtectedLight Spear - - 6


Upgrade Heavy Cavalry

CavalryAverage


Light Spear Melee Expert - 04,6

Formed Loose Bow - - - 1/2

Horse Archers Cavalry

AverageExperienced



Upgrade Horse Archers

CavalryAverage

SkilledUnprotected

- - Combat Shy 04,6

Formed Flexible Bow - - - 1/2

Foot Archers

InfantryAverage


- Combat Shy - 06,8


InfantryAverage




Defecting Han infantryInfantry

PoorExperienced

Protected- Combat Shy - 0

6,8Formed Loose Crossbow - - - 16

Defecting Han Archers Infantry

Poor-


6,8Formed Flexible - - - - 8

Defecting Han Combined infantry *

InfantryPoor

-Protected



InfantryPoor


- Combat Shy - 0


Xianbei

NOTES



NOTES

The Xianbei were proto-Mongols residing in what became today's eastern Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China. Along with

the Xiongnu, they were one of the major nomadic groups in northern China during the Han Dynasty and subsequent dynastic periods. They

eventually established their own northern dynasties, including the Northern Wei founded in the 4th century AD by the Tuobaclan.

The Book of the Later Han records a memorial submitted in 177:

Ever since the Xiongnu ran away, the Xianbei have become powerful and populous, taking all the lands previously held by the Xiongnu and

claiming to have 100,000 warriors. … Refined metals and wrought iron have come into the possession of the Xianbei rebels. Han deserters also

seek refuge and serve as their advisers. Their weapons are sharper and their horses are faster than those of the Xiongnu.

 

Army Commander 1 Any Dates Red Eyebrow 17CE-24CE Yellow Turban 184CE-205CE

Sub-Generals 0-2 Any TERRAIN Coastal, Mountains, Forest

Internal allied General 1-3 Any Camp Unfortified or Fortified :Poor or Average


MaxUG Size


Conscripted army - Nanjun 南軍 under rebel leadership

Heavy CavalryCavalry Average or

Poor


Light Spear Shoot and Charge Melee Expert 04,6

Formed Flexible Crossbow - - - 6

Nu - Conscript Missile Troops

Infantry Average or Poor


- Combat Shy - 86,8


Ji - Conscript Close Fighters


-Protected

Polearm - Combat Shy 66,8


Combined Conscript infantry *


-Protected





- Combat Shy - 0


Optional Troops

Horse ArchersCavalry Average or

Poor


- - - 04,6



Cavalry Average or Poor




Convict Labour troopsInfantry Average or

Poor

-Unprotected

- - Combat Shy 08,9,10

Tribal Loose - - - - 10

Peasant RebelsInfantry Average or

Poor

-Unprotected

- Devastating Chargers Combat Shy 279,10

Tribal Loose - - - - 54

Archers Infantry Average or

Poor


- - Combat Shy 06,8,9


Han Rebels

NOTES



A Han Rebel army must have more Poor TuGs than Average ones

NOTES

The Red Eyebrows or Chimei was one of the two major agrarian rebellion movements against Wang Mang's short-lived Xin

dynasty, the other being Lülin. It was so named because the rebels painted their eyebrows red.

The rebellion, initially active in the modern Shandong and northern Jiangsu regions, eventually led to Wang Mang's downfall by

draining his resources, allowing Liu Xuan (Emperor Gengshi), leader of the Lülin, to overthrow Wang and temporarily reestablish

an incarnation of the Han dynasty. The Red Eyebrows later overthrew Emperor Gengshi and placed their own Han descendant

puppet, teenage Emperor Liu Penzi, on the throne, who ruled briefly until the Chimei leaders' incompetence in ruling the territories

under their control (which matched their brilliance on the battlefield) caused the people to rebel against them, forcing them to

retreat and attempt to return home. When their path was blocked by the army of Liu Xiu's (Emperor Guangwu) newly established

Eastern Han regime, they surrendered to him.

The Yellow Turban Rebellion, also translated as the Yellow Scarves Rebellion, was a peasant revolt in China against the Han

dynasty. The uprising broke out in the year 184 during the reign of Emperor Ling. It took 21 years until the uprising was suppressed

in the year 205.The rebellion, which got its name from the color of the cloths that the rebels wore on their heads, marked an

important point in the history of Taoismdue to the rebels' association with secret Taoist societies.

the han dynasty · 2018. 12. 5. · the han dynasty the han dynasty was the second imperial dynasty...

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