Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che)

Also known as Liu Che

Liu Che, Emperor Wu of Han, was the son of Emperor Jing. He came to the throne in 141 BC and from the next year used the reign title Jianyuan, followed by Yuanshuo, Yuanshou, Taichu and others. In 127 BC he adopted Zhufu Yan's Edict of Grace, dividing princedoms among all heirs, and he later created thirteen regional inspectorates. His generals Wei Qing and Huo Qubing campaigned against the Xiongnu, driving them north after the battle of Mobei in 119 BC; he also sent Zhang Qian to Central Asia, conquered Nanyue and created commanderies in the Hexi corridor. At home he created posts for scholars of the Five Classics on Dong Zhongshu's advice, imposed state monopolies on salt and iron, issued the wuzhu coin and adopted the Taichu calendar in 104 BC. He died at the Wuzuo Palace in 87 BC and was buried at Maoling. The History of the Han (Hanshu) credits him with great talent and bold plans, yet also records his late Luntai edict halting expansion westward.