Xiao He

AncientPoliticianChina-257 — -193

Han prime minister who laid the foundations of Han bureaucracy.

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Quick Facts

Born

257 BCE

Died

193 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)34

Political (20%)78

Influence (20%)65

Legacy (20%)75

Leadership (15%)81

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score68.2

Xiao He — Complete Timeline

206 BC

Appointment as Prime Minister of HanPolitical Action◆ Major

After Liu Bang established the Han dynasty, he appointed Xiao He as his prime minister. Xiao He was responsible for organizing the civil administration, collecting taxes, and supplying the army during the Chu-Han Contention.

Han DynastyPrime MinisterChu-Han Contention

Impact: nationalconstructive

Recommendation of Han XinPolitical Action◆ Major

Xiao He recognized the military talent of Han Xin and recommended him to Liu Bang, who appointed Han Xin as general. Han Xin's subsequent victories were crucial to Liu Bang's victory in the Chu-Han Contention.

Talent RecognitionHan XinChu-Han Contention

Impact: nationalconstructive

200 BC

Codification of Han LawsReform◆ Major

Xiao He compiled the Han legal code, known as the Nine Chapters on Law, based on the Qin code but with modifications to reduce harshness. This code provided the legal foundation for the Han dynasty and influenced later Chinese law.

Legal CodeHan DynastyLaw Reform

Impact: nationalconstructive

Construction of Weiyang PalaceCultural◆ Major

Xiao He oversaw the construction of the Weiyang Palace in Chang'an, the new Han capital. The palace became the political center of the Han empire and symbolized the dynasty's power and legitimacy.

ArchitectureChang'anHan Capital

Impact: nationalconstructive