Among the many dynasties that make up Chinese history, one of the most notable is the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE, under the reign of many emperors. She made many contributions to Chinese history and brought lasting changes, some of which persisted for millennia after the dynasty's collapse. They made changes to China's economy, technology, social order, religion, philosophy, and education that revolutionized the way China functioned. Furthermore, as the Han dynasty grew significantly during its reign, much of the territory conquered by the dynasty became part of what would later become modern China. These changes helped shape the country that China has become. One of the major and lasting effects was the economic changes brought about by the Han dynasty. The Han dynasty extended its influence throughout the country and improved many products made in China, including silk, iron and textiles, and also invented paper. As noted in the article “Great Journeys in China…The Silk Road,” “by order of Emperor Wudi, the courtier general Zhang Qian traveled to the “western regions ». ...