Han Wudi, the Silk Road, and Imperial Expansion

The reign of Emperor Wu, Han Wudi (141-87 BCE), was among the longest and most consequential in Chinese history. He centralized power at the expense of the vassal kingdoms and, militarily, launched sustained campaigns against the Xiongnu: his generals Wei Qing and Huo Qubing drove the nomads out of the Ordos region and the Hexi Corridor, opening a path for Chinese control to extend into Central Asia. Expansion continued on other fronts as well, with the conquest and annexation of the southern kingdom of Nanyue in 111 BCE and the establishment of commanderies in northern Korea in 108 BCE, following the conquest of Gojoseon.