The Han Dynasty lasted from 206 BC - 220 AD. The dynasty was founded by leader Liu Bang, also known as Han. The dynasty is separated into two periods. Western Han (206 BC- 9 AD) and Eastern Han (25- 220 AD). The period between the periods was shortly interrupted by the Xin dynasty. Han was divided into many areas, all however controlled by central government. The Han dynasty was China's first glimpse of prosperity and lucrative economy.