Emperor Xuan of Han

Reign: 73 BCE – 47 BCE
Life: 90 BCE–47 BCE

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. Emperor Xuan's life was a "riches-to-rags-to-riches" story. His father Liu Jin (劉進) was also killed in that political turmoil, along with the rest of his family. The orphaned Liu Bingyi was then only a month-old infant who was thrown into prison as kin punishment and only survived due to the protective custody of a sympathetic prison warden named Bing Ji, and he lived his youth away from the palaces like a commoner after being pardoned by a nationwide amnesty from Emperor Wu in 87 BC. After the death of the childless Emperor Zhao and subsequently Liu He's short 27-day reign in 74 BC, the 17-year-old Liu Bingyi was selected by the statesman Huo Guang (the half-brother of Liu Bingyi's great-cousin Huo Qubing) for the throne, inheriting the crown that ironically would have been his anyway if his grandfather's rebellion in 91 BC hadn't happened or had succeeded. Emperor Xuan has been considered a wise, hardworking and brilliantly effective ruler by historians.

During Emperor Xuan of Han's reign, Emperor Sujin ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

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

Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.

The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Emperor Sujin
Japan
95 BCE–28 BCE

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

By subscribing you agree to receive emails from us. See our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe any time.

From the library

Go deeper on Emperor Xuan of Han

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 1

Denis Twitchett & Michael Loewe

Emperor Xuan's revival of Han power after the usurpation of Wang Mang's interregnum.

Find this book on Amazon