Han (state)

Han (韓, Hán) (403–230 BC) was a kingdom during the Warring States Period in China, located in modern-day Shanxi and Henan. Not to be confused with South Korea which shares the same character.

Its territory directly blocked the passage of the state of Qin into the North China Plain, thus becoming a frequent target of Qin's military operations. Although Han had attempted several self strengthening reforms, notably under the noted legalist Shen Buhai, it would never overcome the Qin. In fact it was the first of the other six Chinese kingdoms to be conquered by Qin.

The Qin invasion of Han's Shangdang Commandery ushered in the bloodiest battle of the whole period, the Battle of Changping in 260 BC.

Rise

According to Shiji, the Han family was descended from the Zhou kings. The Zhou kings granted Hanyuan (韓原, Land of the Hans) to the Han family which the family used to gain influence and importance. In 403 BC, Marquess Jing of Han (韓景侯), along with Marquess Wen of Wei and Marquess Lie of Zhao partitioned the powerful state Jin into Han, Wei, and Zhao marking the beginning of the Warring States Period and Han as an independent polity. King Lie of Zhou was forced to recognize the new states and elevated the rulers' titles to Marquess.

Apogee

The high point of the Han state occurred during the rule of Marquess Xi. Xi appointed Shen Buhai (申不害) Chancellor and implemented Shen's Legalist philosophy. Shen's policies strengthened the state of Han and the kingdom became a xiaokang society.

Fall

Because of the nature of the split of Jin, the Han state was landlocked on all sides by other powerful states like Chu, Qi, Qin, and Wei. Han was the smallest of the seven states, and was bullied militarily by more powerful neighbors. During its steady decline, the Han state lost the power to defend its territory and was requesting military assistance from other states when faced with invasions, such as in the Battle of Maling. Eventually, Han became the first of the six states to be conquered by the expanding Qin in 230 BC.

Notable individuals

• Han Fei - Representative figure in Legalist philosophy
• Zhang Liang - Major contribution in the founding of the Han Dynasty
• Zheng Guo - Hydraulic engineer who designed the Zhengguo Canal

List of Han rulers

Han in astronomy

Han is represented by the star 35 Capricorni in asterism Twelve States, Girl mansion. Han is also represented by the star Zeta Ophiuchi in asterism Right Wall, Heavenly Market enclosure (see Chinese constellation).^[1]

See also

• Chinese nobility

References

• Shiji Chapter 45
• Zizhi Tongjian Volumns 1-6