The Western Han Dynasty lasted more than 230 years over 14 generations, including the Xin Dynasty founded by Wang Mang.
汉自高祖刘邦建国，历经十四代230余年（其中包括王莽的新朝>。
It is usually divided into three stages by historians： the time of consolidation by Emperors Han Gaozu, Wendi and Jingdi ； the zenith period of centralizing power by King Wu of Han, and the late period of replacement of the imperial power by the mighty consort clan of the Wang.
史学家通常将这一时期分为三个阶段:汉高祖、文帝、景帝实行的“修养生息”的巩固期;汉武帝加强中央集权的鼎盛时期;外戚王氏篡权的后期。