Excerpts from Books and Wikipedia
The Han dynasty ruled China for 400 years. It began when Lui Bang (a peasant bandit) led a rebellion after Zheng, the first emperor of a united China, died in -210. Lui Bang abandoned the harsher policies of the Qin dynasty, adopting the principles of Confucius. This allowed Lui Bang to gain popular support and establish his capital in Chang'an (formerly Xianyang). His main external threat, the Xiongnu northern nomads were bought off with bribes and strategic marriages. [Furtado: 1001 Days]