2. Han Dynasty (2nd Century)
As Rome ruled the west, the Han Dynasty soared in the east, governing a vast and prosperous empire. Han China’s advanced bureaucracy and inventions—most notably paper—transformed administration and learning. The Silk Road trade routes connected Asia to the wider world, spreading goods and culture. This period marked a golden age for Chinese arts, science, and philosophy, leaving a legacy that still resonates today (via Smithsonian Magazine: Han Dynasty).
