Chu han contention: Did you mean...?

Legalism in ancient China was a philosophical belief that human beings are more inclined to do wrong than right because they are motivated entirely by self-interest and require strict laws to control their impulses. It was developed...

The Early Three Kingdoms Period in ancient China, from 184 CE to 190 CE for the purposes of this article, was one of the most turbulent in China's history. With an ailing Han government unable to control its empire...

Xunzi (pronounced shund-zee, l. c. 310-c. 235 BCE) was a Confucian philosopher of the Warring States Period (c. 481-221 BCE) in China. He is also known as Hun Kuang, Hsun Tzu, Xun Tzu, and Xun Kuang. Xunzi translates as Master Xun and...

The Chu State in south-east China had a unique culture of its own, yet also interacted with other states. This is reflected in the variety of its coinage: small bronze coins (known as "ant-nose" money modelled on cowrie...

Shi Huangdi (l.259-210 BCE/r.221-210 BCE, also known as Qin Shi Huang, Qin Shih Huandi, Shi Huangti or Shih Huan-ti) was the first emperor of a unified China. Shi Huangdi means `First Emperor' and is a title, not a proper name. The...

The Goddess of Discord Choosing the Apple of Contention in the Garden of the Hesperides, oil on canvas by Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1806. In ancient Greek mythology...

Sima Qian (l. 145/135-86 BCE) was a court scribe, astrologer, and historian of the Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE) of ancient China, famous for his historical work Records of the Grand Historian for which he is remembered as the Father...

The Warring States period (481/403 BCE - 221 BCE) describes the three centuries when various rival Chinese states battled viciously for territorial advantage and dominance. Ultimately the Qin state was victorious and established...

A detail of a basket dating to the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) showing two rows of famous historical figures. The Han dynasty period was the first time that Chinese artists attempted portraiture. (Central History Museum...

A portrait of an Eastern Han woman from the Dahuting tomb, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China. 25-220 CE. Part of a wider secene showing daily life in Han China.