The Met separates Western Han, 206 BCE–9 CE, from Eastern Han, 25–220 CE.
Chronological context#
Between them, its chronology identifies Wang Mang’s interregnum, 9–25 CE. A Han label can therefore require a more specific chronological reference.
A reading exercise#
When comparing two objects, check whether each is attributed to Western or Eastern Han. Record the evidence for the date instead of treating every Han object as contemporary with every other.
Using the dates#
The exercise is editorial guidance for evaluating evidence. Retain the named reference and its dating convention when comparing another account; this short introduction is not an exhaustive political history.