Han (state)

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State of Han
(small seal script, 220 BC)

Han (韓國, Hánguó) was a kingdom during the Warring States Period in China. Not to be confused with South Korea which shares the name in Chinese.

Its territory directly blocked the passage of the state of Qin into the North China Plain, thus becoming a frequent target of Qin's military operations. Although the Han had attempted several self strengthening reforms, notably under the famous Legalist Shen Buhai, it would never overcome the Qin. In fact it was the first of the Six states to be conquered by Qin.

The Qin invasion of Han's Shangdang Commandery (上黨郡) ushered in the bloodiest battle of the whole period, the Battle of Changping in 260 BC.