Among the numerous dynasties that make up the history of China, one of the most notable is the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BC to 220 AD, under the rule of numerous emperors. He made many contributions to the history of China and brought about lasting changes, some of which remained for millennia after the collapse of the dynasty. They made changes to China's economy, technology, social order, religion, philosophy, and education that revolutionized the way China operated. Furthermore, as the Han dynasty expanded greatly during its rule, many of the territories conquered by the dynasty became part of what would later become modern China. These changes helped shape the country that became China. One of the major lasting effects was the economic changes of the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty expanded its influence across the country and made improvements to many Chinese-made products, including silk, iron, and textiles, as well as inventing paper. As stated in the article “Great Journeys of China…The Silk Road,” “by order of Emperor Wudi, the courtier general Zhang Qian traveled to” the western regions ...