Emperor Chengdy of Han

Reign: 32 BCE – 6 BCE
Life: 50 BCE–6 BCE

Under Emperor Cheng, the Han dynasty continued its growing disintegration as the emperor's maternal relatives from the Wang clan increased their grip on the levers of power and on governmental affairs as encouraged by the previous emperor. Corruption and greedy officials continued to plague the government and, as a result, rebellions broke out throughout the country. Emperor Cheng died childless after a reign of 26 years; both of his sons by concubines had died in infancy. One of them starved to death and another was suffocated in prison. He was succeeded by his nephew, Emperor Ai, whose death was followed by Wang Mang rise to power.

During Emperor Chengdy of Han's reign, Emperor Suinin ruled Japan and Augustus ruled Rome.

Further reading: The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 1 by Denis Twitchett & Michael Loewe

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Emperor Chengdy of Han

The World During Their Reign

Meanwhile in history

Further Reading

The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 1