The Fall of Xiang Yu and the Rise of Liu Bang

The death of Xiang Yu, the formidable warlord of Western Chu, marked a turning point in Chinese history. After his defeat, most of his forces surrendered to Liu Bang—except for the people of Lu, who remained loyal due to Xiang Yu’s former title as Duke of Lu. Only when Liu Bang presented Xiang Yu’s severed head did they finally yield. In a surprising act of respect, Liu Bang arranged a grand burial for his fallen rival, even mourning him publicly. While some viewed Liu Bang’s tears as political theater, others believed they held genuine sorrow for a once-close ally turned adversary.

The rivalry between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu was rooted in their shared ambition to rule China. Yet, where Xiang Yu relied on brute military strength—believing that eliminating Liu Bang would secure his dominance—Liu Bang employed strategy, leveraging allies like Han Xin, Peng Yue, Zhang Liang, and Xiao He. His willingness to confront Xiang Yu directly, despite the risks, demonstrated both courage and tactical brilliance.

The Founding of the Han Dynasty

In 202 BCE, after eight grueling years of conflict, Liu Bang ascended as emperor. The ceremony followed tradition: his ministers petitioned him repeatedly to accept the throne, and after feigned reluctance, he “reluctantly” agreed. His coronation at the banks of the Si River marked the birth of the Han Dynasty.

Choosing a capital was critical. Initially, Liu Bang favored Luoyang, the former seat of the Zhou Dynasty, for its historical prestige. However, a strategist named Lou Jing persuaded him otherwise. Lou argued that Luoyang was vulnerable, while the Guanzhong region—fertile, populous, and naturally fortified—offered greater security. Liu Bang, ever pragmatic, accepted the advice and established his capital near the ruins of Xianyang, renaming it Chang’an (“Perpetual Peace”) to symbolize stability. Lou Jing was rewarded with a royal surname and a noble title, exemplifying Liu Bang’s meritocratic approach.

The Challenge of Power-Sharing

Unlike the centralized Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang faced a fractured landscape. The remnants of feudal nobility demanded concessions, forcing him to compromise. He granted seven major vassal kings—including Han Xin, Peng Yue, and Ying Bu—autonomous rule over vast territories. These kingdoms operated as semi-independent states, collecting taxes and appointing officials, while the central government retained control over just fifteen commanderies.

To appease lesser功臣, Liu Bang created the title of “Marquis” (列侯), granting them tax rights without administrative power. He even issued “Iron-Covenant Certificates” (丹书铁券), promising perpetual privileges—though these would later prove hollow under his successors.

The Legacy of Liu Bang’s Compromises

Liu Bang’s reign set the foundation for the Han Dynasty’s four-century rule. His pragmatic blend of centralization and decentralization stabilized a war-torn China, allowing recovery and growth. Yet, the tension between imperial authority and regional power would resurface, culminating in future conflicts under Emperor Wu.

The Han Dynasty’s rise was not just a military victory but a masterclass in political adaptation—a lesson in balancing ambition with necessity, and power with pragmatism.