Emperor Gaozu of Han

Liu Bang, a minor Qin official, led a revolt after a group of convicts he was escorting escaped. He gathered followers and joined the broader rebellion against the Qin dynasty, eventually becoming a key rebel leader.

Liu Bang's Han forces, commanded by Han Xin, defeated Xiang Yu's Chu army at Gaixia. Xiang Yu committed suicide after the battle. This victory ended the Chu-Han Contention and allowed Liu Bang to proclaim himself emperor.

Emperor Gaozu repealed the severe legal codes of the Qin dynasty, including collective punishment and harsh corporal penalties. He replaced them with a simplified legal system that reduced punishments, aiming to win popular support and stabilize the realm.

After defeating Xiang Yu, Liu Bang declared himself Emperor Gaozu of Han, founding the Han dynasty. He established the capital at Chang'an and began consolidating power, marking the start of one of China's longest-lasting dynasties.

To secure loyalty, Gaozu granted large territories to allied generals and relatives, creating semi-autonomous kingdoms. This policy initially stabilized the empire but later led to rebellions, forcing his successors to centralize power more firmly.