Historical context and representations of horses during the Han period
This dynasty was founded by Liu Bang (his emperor name is Gaozu) The Han dynasty lasted from 206 BC. (i.e. just after the Qin dynasty, of the first emperor Shi Huangdi) to 220 CE, a particularly long dynasty. Even if we divide it into two parts, the Western Han, whose capital was Chang'an (from 206 BCE to 9 CE) and the Eastern Han, with Luoyang as capital (from 25 CE). to 220 CE). In between, there is an interregnum of Mao Wang (9-24 C.E.).
Under this dynasty, funerary art was developed, even though it began under the First Emperor with the famous terracotta army.
Probably the most important emperor of this dynasty was Wudi, who reigned for over 50 years, from 141-87 BCE. Under his reign, an almost uninterrupted war pitted the Chinese against the northern nomads, the Xiongnu. It also favored the opening of the commercial axis towards the Western countries, and therefore what will be called the “Silk Road”.
Gilded bronze horse found in the mausoleum of Emperor Wudi in Maodang
Xian Museum.
Terracotta horse. Western Han period
