Liu Xiu

Timeline

1. -5–22Jiyang · NanyangLiu Xiu was a descendant of Liu Fa, Prince Ding of Changsha, son of Emperor Jing of Han, grew up in Nanyang, and was known for being cautious and generous. At the end of the Xin dynasty the realm was in chaos; his brother Liu Yan rose against Wang Mang, and Liu Xiu later joined the Lulin Army uprising with him.
2. 23Kunyang · HenanAt the Battle of Kunyang Liu Xiu led a small force to rout Wang Mang's main army, becoming famous in a single battle, rising as the core military leader of the anti-Wang Mang camp, and laying the foundation of prestige and strength for his later imperial declaration.
3. 25–36Luoyang · HenanIn 25 CE Liu Xiu declared himself emperor at Hao, taking the state name Han with capital at Luoyang, known to history as Eastern Han. Over the following decade-plus he campaigned east and west, defeating the Red Eyebrows and separatist forces such as Wei Xiao and Gongsun Shu, essentially completing national reunification by 36 CE.
4. 36–57Luoyang · HenanAfter reunification Liu Xiu implemented policies of light corvée and taxes, freeing slaves, reforming administration, and merging commanderies and kingdoms, known to history as the Guangwu Restoration. He reigned thirty-two years, laying the foundation of Eastern Han's nearly two-hundred-year rule, and died in 57 CE at the Southern Palace in Luoyang.