13. Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty is unique for many reasons and it was founded by a peasant rebel by the name of Liu Bang, and he led the second empire of China. The Han Dynasty is separated into two periods because it was interrupted by the Xin Dynasty from 9-23 CE; the two periods are the Western Han 206 BCE- 9 CE and the Eastern Han 25-220 CE. During the time of the era of the Han there were extreme technological advances and political experimentation. The Empire had many clashes with other neighboring peoples, which lead to their intense territorial expansion. Nearly the entire time of the reign, the imperial court was threatened by internal treason and revolts from its dependent kingdoms, which eventually led to its fall.