Liu Bang

Liu Bang also known posthumously as Emperor Gao.

Background information:

• First Emperor of the Chinese Han Dynasty.
• Ruler of China from 202 BC -195 BC.
• One of the few dynasty founders who came from the peasant class (Zhu Yuanzhang is the other notable example).
• Prior to becoming Emperor, he was called Duke of Pei (沛公) - from his birthplace.

Family information:

• Father - Liu Zhijia
• Mother - Wang Hanshi (王含始)
• Wife - Empress Lü Zhi (mother of Emperor Hui & Princess Luyuan)
• Concubines - Consort Cao (mother of Prince Fei), Consort Qi (mother of Prince Ruyi), Consort Zhang, Consort Wei, Consort Bo (mother of Emperor Wen), Consort Zhao (mother of Prince Chang)
• Children - Liu Fei, Prince Daohui of Qi, Liu Ying, Liu Jian, Liu Ruyi, Liu Heng, Liu Hui, Liu You, Liu Chang.
  
• Grandchildren - Liu Xiang, Liu Zhang, Liu Xingju, Liu Qi

Early life:

• Born in Pei, to a peasant farming family.
• Served as a patrol officer in Pei County as a young adult.
• Became a rebel leader - he lead a band of prisoners after earning their respect by killing a powerful cobra which had killed many of their escaping colleagues.