Early Imperial China

Qin dynasty through the Tang dynasty

221 BCE to 906 CE

The establishment of imperial rule, the spread of Buddhism, and cultural cosmopolitanism mark the different dynasties in early imperial China

The Qin Dynasty and the First Emperor of China

221–206 BCE

The period when China is unified under the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi

Important terms and concepts

Qin Shi Huangdi

Standardize

The Han Dynasty

206 BCE–220 CE

Important terms and concepts

Han dynasty

Silk

Tang Dynasty

618–906 CE

The period when Buddhist influences were felt most strongly

Important terms and concepts

Silk Roads

Trade route

Sancai

Ink painting

Cultural diffusion

Buddhism

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