Origins & Early Life

Emperor Xuan of Han (Chinese: 漢宣帝; 91 BC – 10 January 48 BC), born Liu Bingyi (劉病已) and later renamed Liu Xun (劉詢), was the tenth emperor of the Han dynasty, reigning from 74 to 48 BC. During his reign, the Han dynasty recovered economically from the prior attritions of the costly Han–Xiongnu War and militarily dominated the Far East and Central Asia to become the regional superpower, thus establishing the first period of Pax Sinica. As a result, Emperor Xuan was one of the only four Western Han emperors to be posthumously honored with a temple name, along with Emperor Gaozu (who founded the Han dynasty), Emperor Wen (who ended the Lü Clan disturbance and started the prosperous Rule of Wen and Jing) and Emperor Wu (who greatly expanded the Han Empire's territory and sphere of influence). Emperor Xuan's life was a "riches-to-rags-to-riches" story.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was born a prince as the eldest great-grandson of Emperor Wu and the only grandchild of crown prince Liu Ju, making him then the third heir to the Han throne in the primogenital line of succession. His grandfather was the firstborn son of Emperor Wu with Empress Wei Zifu and the heir apparent of the Han Empire, who also had served as the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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