Han Dynasty

Reign of Huan of Han
An Eastern Han (25-220 CE) mural of a banquet scene, from the Dahuting Tomb of Zhengzhou, Henan province, China. ©Image Attribution forthcoming. Image belongs to the respective owner(s).
146 Aug 1 - 168 Jan 23

Reign of Huan of Han

Luoyang, Henan, China

Emperor Huan of Han was the 27th emperor of the Han dynasty after he was enthroned by the Empress Dowager and her brother Liang Ji on 1 August 146. As the years went by, Emperor Huan, offended by Liang Ji's autocratic and violent nature, became determined to eliminate the Liang family with the help of eunuchs. Emperor Huan succeeded in removing Liang Ji in 159 but this only caused an increase in the influence of these eunuchs over all aspects of the government. Corruption during this period had reached a boiling point. In 166, university students rose up in protest against the government and called on Emperor Huan to eliminate all corrupt officials. Instead of listening, Emperor Huan ordered the arrest of all students involved. Emperor Huan has largely been viewed as an emperor who might have had some intelligence but lacked wisdom in governing his empire; and his reign contributed greatly to the downfall of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Last Updated: Wed Jan 31 2024

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