Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu)

A minor Qin official of peasant origin who rose during the collapse of the Qin dynasty, defeated rival warlord Xiang Yu in the Chu-Han Contention, and founded the Han dynasty in 202 BCE as Emperor Gaozu — beginning four centuries of rule that gave the Han Chinese their name.

• Lived: 256 BCE – 195 BCE
• Nationality: Chinese
• Roles: Emperor

Related

• The Classical World