Han Empire Map

<http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hand/hd_hand.htm>

     The Han Empire covered most of modern day China. The Hans expanded east to Korea, south to Vietnam, north into the Gobi desert, and west to the Tarim Basin.These expansions made it possible for the Hans to trade over land with Europe, so the Silk Road was created, running through the Han Empire. The coast also created trade, as well as a way to fish and get food. In the summer, rivers like the Yangzi and Han flooded, which made the soil good for crops. The Great Wall in the north provided protection from the Mongols and created a border. The Himalayas are located in the southwest portion of the Han Empire, and the capitals, Chang'an and Luoyang, are in the northern part of the empire.