早年生涯

刘邦出生于前256年或前247年。刘邦少年时仰慕信陵君，但未及成年，信陵君便亡故。之后信陵君旧门客张耳为外黄令，招徕门客，刘邦因而到大梁往投张耳门下为门客，并与之结交为友。不久魏国灭亡，张耳不愿事秦而改名换姓逃亡，刘邦亦返回家乡。刘邦登帝位后，只要途经大梁，多半会祭祀信陵君；在楚汉战争期间，张耳为常山王，被他的故友陈馀所败，张耳为此故投奔刘邦。后刘邦在秦都咸阳服徭役时见到秦始皇出游，发出了：「嗟乎，大丈夫当如此也」的感叹。

刘邦早年有一名外妇曹氏，生下长子刘肥，但并未正式娶妻，故刘肥并非嫡子。之后单父县的门阀吕公因避仇而移居沛县，县内士绅豪杰，皆往祝贺。主吏萧何负责排定门客的座次，要求贺礼不到一千铜钱的客人，都坐在堂下。亭长刘邦认为沛县诸官吏也没甚么了不起，就自称献「贺钱一万」，其实一个铜钱都没有带来。吕公看到刘邦的面相后大吃一惊，觉得他将来定是个不凡人物，因此引入堂内就座。萧何告诉吕公：「刘邦只会说大话，没甚么成就。」但吕公不以为然。刘邦坐在上宾座位后，就大声调侃其他沛县官吏。吕公对刘邦说：「我很会看面相，但是没看过像你这么相貌不凡的，我有个女儿（即吕雉），希望你愿意接受她当你的妻子。」事后吕公的妻子吕媪很生气，说：「你以前说你这个女儿很难得，一定要嫁个非常好的丈夫。沛县县令对你这么好，你还不肯把女儿嫁给他，现在居然要把她嫁给刘邦？」吕公说：「这不是你妇道人家懂的事。」最后还是把女儿嫁给刘邦。吕雉后来生了汉惠帝刘盈和鲁元公主。

刘邦为亭长时，经常请假回家到田里去。有一次吕雉和孩子正在田中除草，有一老者经过讨水喝，吕雉让他喝了水，给他饭吃。老者给吕雉相面说：「夫人是天下贵人。」吕雉又让他给两个孩子相面，见了刘盈，说：「夫人尊贵的原因，是因为这个男孩子。」又给鲁元公主相面，同样也是富贵面相。老者走后，刘邦正巧从旁边的房舍走来，吕雉就把刚才那老人给她们看相的情况，告诉了刘邦。刘邦问这个人在哪，吕雉说：「还不远。」于是追上了老者，问他刚才的事，老者说：「刚才的夫人、孩子的样貌都像您，您的相貌贵不可言。」刘邦道谢说：「真的像您说的，我一定不忘您的恩德。」等到刘邦显贵的时候，却再也找不到当初那位老者。

反秦战争

释徒斩蛇

前210年十月刘邦奉命押解犯人到骊山，途中有不少人逃脱，因为当时让犯人逃脱是重如死罪，所以刘邦索性放走所有人，刘邦也因此逃亡，当时逃犯中有十馀人愿意跟随他一同逃亡，也成为未来起义的部分势力。一行人路遇一条大白蛇挡路，刘邦一怒之下就提剑把蛇斩杀了，突然出现一个老妇人啼哭，自称：「我儿是白帝之子，化成白蛇躺在路上，却被赤帝之子杀死了。」随即消失。由于秦始皇的先祖秦襄公说自己是白帝的后裔，众人都认为刘邦被赋予取代秦朝的天命，是为「斩蛇起义」。秦始皇常说「东南有天子气」，乃东游欲以厌胜之。刘邦自认始皇东游是针对他，于芒砀山山泽落草为寇。

据沛反秦

秦二世元年七月（前209年），陈胜与吴广因为下雨误期，害怕受到秦朝法律处罚，率领约九百名役夫在蕲县大泽乡（今安徽宿州东南刘村集）起事，是为大泽之变。当时许多郡县的仕绅杀死郡守、县令，以响应陈胜，沛县县令恐惧，欲响应陈胜，于是主吏萧何、狱掾曹参等劝县令召回刘邦。县令答应，于是派樊哙往召刘邦。刘邦至沛，而县令反悔，于是刘邦率约百人于沛县城外射箭夹信，说服城内人诛杀县令。刘邦多次推让后被众人立为沛县县令，自称沛公，徵发县中约三千子弟，攻占沛县等地。刘邦起事后，攻胡陵（江苏省沛县龙固镇）、方与，还守丰。秦泗水郡监「平」将兵围丰，为刘邦军所破。接著刘邦命雍齿守丰，亲率军攻薛，泗水郡郡守「壮」战败逃到戚（今山东微山），不久为沛公左司马曹无伤所杀。刘邦还军亢父。至方与，魏国丞相周市来攻方与（今山东鱼台），雍齿占据丰邑，归降周市，刘邦攻丰邑，不能攻下。

时东阳宁君、秦嘉在留邑（今沛县东南）立景驹为王，刘邦欲往投奔，并借兵再度攻击丰地，路上遇到了张良。章邯的偏将司马枿往北方进兵，拿下了楚地，在相地屠城，进兵砀郡。东阳宁君与沛公率军，向西迎击，在萧邑之西与司马枿交战，不利，刘邦退回留县休整，独自出兵击败司马枿获得胜利，使秦军退往砀县东边，三天攻下砀县，再以周勃先登攻克下邑，回师聚兵于留邑，接著三天攻取砀郡，得兵五、六千人，此时刘邦约有九千士卒，接连攻取下邑，还军攻丰邑，不能攻下。

投奔项梁

时楚国起义军首领项梁在薛城，沛公刘邦率骑兵百馀人前往跟随，项梁给予刘邦士卒五千人、五大夫等级的将领十人，刘邦反攻丰，拔之。雍齿逃亡魏国。

在得知楚王陈胜确实已死的消息，以及秦嘉立景驹为楚王，项梁为争取楚国父老的民心，把在外诸将召还薛城，共立楚怀王之孙熊心，亦称「楚怀王」，史家称楚后怀王，项梁自命为武信君。六月，章邯破杀魏王魏咎、齐王田儋于临济。七月，刘邦攻亢父。章邯包围田荣于东阿。刘邦随项梁率军前往救援，打败了章邯。刘邦及项羽继续追击秦军至城阳，屠城，驻扎在濮阳东，再次和章邯军交战，打败了秦军。章邯军再次聚集，守濮阳、环水。刘项联军离开，去攻定陶。八月，定陶无法攻下，往西攻击到雍丘，与秦军战，大破秦兵，五大夫曹参从刘邦攻杀三川郡郡守李由，李由地位显赫，是秦丞相李斯之子。项羽、沛公还师攻外黄，未下。

九月，项羽、刘邦攻陈留时，闻定陶之役中章邯击杀项梁，士卒惊恐。刘邦、项羽及吕臣徏楚怀王从盱台迁都彭城。吕臣军驻彭城东，项羽驻军彭城西，刘邦驻军砀城。

入关灭秦

秦二世二年闰九月（前208年九月），楚后怀王迁都彭城，并将项羽、吕臣等诸军的兵卒收归自己率领，命沛公刘邦为砀郡首长，封武安侯，率领砀郡的军队。又封项羽长安侯，建国于鲁，号称「鲁公」。吕臣为司徒，其父吕清为令尹。时秦兵围赵甚急，赵国数向楚王请求救兵。楚王以宋义为上将军，项羽为次将，范增为末将，北上救赵。而沛公率军西攻秦兵。怀王与将军们约定，谁先进入关中，就可以在关中称王，但当时秦兵强大，常乘胜逐北，诸将都认为西入关攻秦没有好处，都不愿去，只有项羽因为叔父项梁之死，非常有意愿入关攻秦。但楚后怀王及其他诸将都认为项羽为人不可取，为了报叔父之仇一定会屠城，不让项羽参加西征，于是沛公独领军西征。

次月，即秦二世三年十月（前208年十月，秦制以十月为岁首），刘邦率军西征，收项梁、陈胜散卒，由砀郡到达成阳，与杠里的秦军僵持，击败了王离所率之秦军，接著在成武南攻王离及东郡尉，大破之，揭开了楚军反攻的序幕，并为宋义军的前进，扫除前方障碍做了贡献。十二月，还至栗，遇到楚军的将领「刚武侯」（封号，姓名不详），刘邦夺取了「刚武侯」的部队，收编了四千馀人，与魏国将军皇欣、申徒武蒲之军合攻昌邑，未下，只好绕道至高阳。同期王离败给刘邦，后来听章邯之令去围钜鹿，项羽跟诸侯联军在钜鹿大破秦军，俘获王离，招降章邯。

秦二世三年二月（前207年二月），在昌邑遇彭越，与彭越军合攻昌邑，未下。在高阳，郦食其、郦商兄弟来投奔，郦食其劝说刘邦袭陈留，掠夺秦兵的粮食，因此封郦食其为广野君，然后刘邦与郦商一起攻击开封，却攻不下，只好继续向西前进，三月刘邦来到陈留西约30公里的开封，与秦大将赵贲大战，大破赵贲 在白马、曲遇大破秦将杨熊，杨熊逃到荥阳，秦二世遣使斩杀杨熊示众。四月，刘邦攻打颍阳，并破颍阳，透过张良，又占领了韩国的轘辕关。四月刘邦拿下轘辕后，刘邦率领军由轘辕攻进了洛阳盆地。这时候，赵国的别将司马卬正想渡过黄河，进入函谷关。刘邦就向北拿下平阴，截断黄河渡口，向南进军，与秦军在洛城东方战斗，再次大破赵贲大军。

六月，与南阳郡守吕齮交战，攻取南阳郡，吕齮逃到宛城，刘邦想要放弃追击，但张良说如此将会腹背受敌，一定要先破宛城，刘邦于是攻击宛城，吕齮本来要自刎，他的舍人陈恢建议投降，吕齮答应了，刘邦封吕齮为「殷侯」，封陈恢食邑一千户，然后刘邦继续西进，所经过的城纷纷归顺。到了丹水的时候，秦国的高武侯戚鳃、襄阳侯王陵也在西陵投降了，刘邦于是回过头来攻打胡阳，遇到了番君吴芮的副将梅鋗，就跟梅鋗一起拿下了析县和郦县。刘邦派遣甯昌出使秦地，甯昌还没回来。这时，钜鹿之战结束，秦将章邯向项羽投降。

赵高刺杀了秦二世之后，派人向刘邦说，愿意割地给刘邦，刘邦认为有诈，而且赵高奸诈不可信，非但不答应，还处死了秦使者，同时加快攻击的脚步，用了张良计谋，派郦生与陆贾去游说、行贿武关的秦将，却乘机偷袭武关。刘邦攻武关之后，八月，刘邦在经过连续机动后，攻破秦国的东南门户，位于丹水河谷的险要武关，秦王子婴即位，随即刺杀赵高，并发动关中所有军队并派大军据守蛲关、蓝田之战中刘邦击败秦军最后一支大军，入秦。秦廷大为震动，刘邦最后抵达霸上。子婴驾素车白马于轵道投降，刘邦反对众将的建议，不愿处死子婴，只把他俘虏而已。

楚汉相争

约法三章

汉元年十月（前207年十月），秦王子婴于轵道向刘邦投降，秦朝灭亡。史家一般以此月为「汉元年」开始。

刘邦见到秦国皇宫中富裕堂皇，想要入住秦宫中享受荣华富贵，为樊哙、张良所谏阻。于是刘邦乃下令封闭秦王的王宫府库，还军霸上，而萧何等则收了秦朝之地图、户籍资料等。刘邦召见咸阳附近的父老、豪杰，慰劳他们说：你们忍受秦朝苛法已经很久了，然后与他们约法三章，把苛法全部废除，并令吏人仍守旧职。同时也拒绝了秦人犒劳。刘邦此举，大得秦人民意，唯恐刘邦将来不为秦王。

有人告诉刘邦说：「秦国是六国的十倍富裕，地形易守难攻。听说章邯投降项羽，项羽要让章邯到关中称王，章邯一来，你就没得称王了，赶快守住函谷关，不要让诸侯进兵。」刘邦采纳提议，命人守函谷关。十一月中旬，项羽率诸侯联军进至函谷关，闻刘邦已定关中并派人守住了关口，大怒，下令黥布等攻破函谷关，十二月，至戏（今陕西西安），欲攻刘邦。而刘邦军的左司马曹无伤派人向项羽告密，项羽更怒。而项伯因与张良是好友，往刘邦军欲劝告张良离去，不要被乱军杀死，张良因项伯求项羽罢兵。因此发生了鸿门宴故事。鸿门宴中，项羽未听从亚父范增之计，使得刘邦逃过一劫。（有名的俗谚「项庄舞剑，意在沛公」即出于此。）

项羽分封

项羽进入咸阳，处死子婴，劫掠财宝，火烧阿房宫（根据考查，应为咸阳宫），自立为西楚霸王，领有梁国、楚国九郡，定都彭城，俨然天下共主，分封群雄。项羽为了困住刘邦，违背怀王所定「先入定关中者王之」之约，假称巴蜀亦属关中，改立刘邦为汉王，领有巴、蜀、汉中三郡四十一县，定都南郑。然后三分关中，封章邯为雍王，司马欣为塞王，董翳为翟王，史称三秦，其馀群雄各有参差。汉王刘邦对此次分封不满，想要进攻项羽，被丞相萧何阻止。

关中起兵

项羽立楚后怀王为天子，号称「楚义帝」，让义帝成为傀儡，但不久之后，命令黥布刺杀了义帝，以报义帝不遣他入关的仇怨。项羽杀义帝，加上分封无法服众，有实力的军人们纷纷起兵叛变，刘邦趁项羽出外平乱，暗渡陈仓，出兵关中，平定三秦，甚至一度攻占项羽的根据地彭城。

楚河汉界

经过楚汉之间长期的拉锯战，在众多汉军文臣、武将如曹参、灌婴、萧何、靳歙、周勃、郦生、张良等人的协助下，刘邦所率领的汉军逐渐坐大。楚汉两国协议以鸿沟为界，鸿沟以西为汉，以东为楚，互不侵犯。但是，当项羽遵守诺言退兵，并放回曾被扣为人质的刘邦的父亲刘太公、妻子吕雉之后，刘邦发动偷袭。项羽在阳夏之战一路败退，后在陈下之战刘邦跟项羽展开一次主力大战（陈下是今河南淮阳）项羽大败后逃到垓下，韩信、彭越、英布等加入汉军对项羽的包围网之后，参战兵力数倍于楚军。

垓下灭楚

前202年12月，楚军在垓下之战中被汉军打败，被围在垓下。刘邦用四面楚歌之计瓦解楚军军心，最后项羽走投无路，自觉无颜见江东父老，只好自刎于乌江边。这场历时近五年〔汉元年（前206年）四月至五年（前202年）十二月〕的楚汉战争，项羽彻底败亡而自杀，刘邦统一天下。

建立汉朝

前202年初（汉五年十二月），项羽败亡。

汉五年（前202年）正月，追尊长兄刘伯为武哀侯，以楚义帝无后，徙齐王韩信为楚王，王楚地。魏相国彭越定梁地，拜为梁王。

诸侯及将相们共同尊请汉王刘邦为「皇帝」。刘邦说：「我听说皇帝这种尊号，是极其贤能的人才能享有的，空言虚语不是我能接受的，我可承担不了皇帝的尊号。」群臣们都说：「大王从一个小老百姓的身分起兵讨伐暴逆，平定四海，有功的人便分赏土地，封王封侯，如果大王不称帝，封赏就没有信用，我们这群人愿意以生命向大王请求。」刘邦辞让再三，实在推辞不过了，说：「诸君都认为这样才对，那就为了国家的便利，我答应罢。」

汉五年二月甲午，刘邦于泛水之阳即皇帝位，定都洛阳（不久迁至长安），定国号为汉，史称西汉。并立王后吕雉为皇后，立太子刘盈为皇太子，追尊母为昭灵夫人。

政治

官吏任用

丞相

• 萧何 （前196年改为相国）

• 曹参

太尉

• 卢绾（前202年）

• 周勃（前196年）

御史大夫

• 周苛（前206年—前203年）

• 周昌（前203年—前197年）

• 赵尧（前197年—前195年）

封赏功臣

汉朝开国，最初仅排定十八人之位次，分别为：萧何、曹参、张敖、周勃、樊哙、郦商、奚涓、夏侯婴、灌婴、傅宽、靳歙、王陵、陈武、王吸、薛欧、周昌、丁复、虫达。群臣都抱怨萧何受封第一，甚为不悦，向刘邦抱怨道：「我们像狗、像马一样地作战，在战事中出生入死，冒著生命危险，受了一大堆伤，为甚么萧何一个文弱书生，拿个笔、动动嘴，居然居功第一？这是甚么道理！」刘邦说：「你们懂得狩猎的道理吗？知道猎犬的作用吗？今天各位将军就好像负责追踪猎物的狗，但是发现猎物踪迹，并指挥猎狗的人是萧何。而且你们都只是一个人追随我，但萧何是全家亲族都投效我，我不能忘记他的功劳。」

群臣又认为曹参军功无数，应列第一，但刘邦仍较属意萧何。关内侯鄂君于是进谏：「群臣当然没有错，曹参的确有野战略地之功，但楚汉相争五年，失军亡众，丧失不少士兵，但是萧何从关中派兵来补足士兵的不足，不是萧何，汉军早就折损所有兵卒了。楚汉在荥阳僵持时，汉军面临缺粮危机，萧何利用关中的漕运，我们才都有粮草可用。虽然萧何没有随军出征，却守护关中，给我们支援，形同随时陪伴陛下一般，这应是万世之功。我认为论功应该是萧何第一，曹参第二。」高祖曰：「你说的没错。」于是乃令萧何第一，赐给锦带，允许萧何可以配剑，穿鞋子上殿，入朝拜见时不需要小跑步。

众将每天辩论谁功劳大，所以十八人以外，迟迟未论功行赏，同时刘邦在宫中看到一群将领们群聚议论，他询问张良，将领们在商讨何事？张良回答道：「陛下本来是个老百姓，当上皇帝，封赏的都是萧何、曹参这些好朋友，诛杀的都是生平讨厌的人。将军们认为天下的土地不够封，但很有可能被翻旧帐而被您杀死，所以将领们正在讨论如何造反！」此话使得刘邦大为紧张，进一步询问当如何解决，张良问刘邦：「陛下生平最痛恨，而将领们都知道的有谁？」刘邦答：「雍齿跟我是老朋友，但以前他经常讥辱我，使我难堪，我很想杀了他。不过他多次立功，我又不忍心杀。」张良说：「请陛下立刻重赏雍齿，众臣见到，就都会放心了。」刘邦立即照做，此事传开后，众臣皆认为连皇帝最痛恨的雍齿都能获赏，想必自己也不会过差，因此打消造反念头。

刘邦自起兵起，灭亡秦朝，打败项羽，以及后来消灭异姓王，至即位十二年（公元前195年），共封功臣143人。高后二年（公元前186年），吕后下诏让陈平序定其他功臣名次。

定都关中

娄敬劝刘邦说：「定都关中。」刘邦尚对此心有疑虑。左右的大臣都是关东地区的人，多数劝刘邦定都洛阳，他们说周朝定都洛阳，拥有天下数百年；秦朝定都关中，到秦二世就灭亡了。洛阳位居「天下之中」，便于四面八方的物资供给，而且四周群山环绕，背靠邙山，东有成皋，西有崤函，背对黄河，面向伊洛之水，土地肥沃，地势险要，形势完固，足以设险守国。

张良说：「洛阳虽有此固，其中小，不过数百里，田地薄，四面受敌，此非用武之国也。夫关中左淆函，右陇蜀，沃野千里，南有巴蜀之饶，北有胡苑之利，阻三面而守，独以一面东制诸侯。诸侯安定，河渭漕挽天下，西给京师；诸侯有变，顺流而下，足以委输。此所谓金城千里，天府之国也，娄敬之说是也。」于是刘邦当即决定起驾往西，定都关中，并拜娄敬为郎中，赐刘姓。

汉律九章

刘邦称帝后，鉴于全国新形势，感到：「三章之法，不足以御奸。」于是令萧何参照秦朝法律：「取其宜于时者，作律九章。」萧何在保留《秦律》六章的基础上，补充了《户律》、《厩律》、《兴律》三章，史称《九章律》。

制定朝仪

汉高帝五年（前202年），天下已经统一，诸侯们在定陶共同尊推汉王刘邦为皇帝，叔孙通负责拟定仪式礼节。当时刘邦把秦朝的那些严苛的仪礼法规全部取消，只是拟定了一些简单易行的规矩。可是群臣在朝廷饮酒作乐争论功劳，醉了有的狂呼乱叫，甚至拔出剑来砍削庭中立柱，刘邦为这事感到头疼。叔孙通知道皇帝愈来愈讨厌这类事，就劝说道：「夫儒者难与进取，可与守成。臣原徵鲁诸生，与臣弟子共起朝仪。」刘邦说：「得无难乎？」叔孙通说：「五帝异乐，三王不同礼。礼者，因时世人情为之节文者也。故夏、殷、周之礼所因损益可知者，谓不相复也。臣原颇采古礼与秦仪杂就之。」刘邦说：「可试为之，令易知，度吾所能行为之。」

于是叔孙通奉命徵召了鲁地儒生三十多人。鲁地有两个儒生不愿走，说：「公所事者且十主，皆面谀以得亲贵。今天下初定，死者未葬，伤者未起，又欲起礼乐。礼乐所由起，积德百年而后可兴也。吾不忍为公所为。公所为不合古，吾不行。公往矣，无污我！」叔孙通笑著说：「若真鄙儒也，不知时变。」

叔孙通就与征来的三十人一起向西来到都城，他们和皇帝左右有学问的侍从以及叔孙通的弟子一百多人，在郊外拉起绳子表示施礼的处所，立上茅草代表位次的尊卑进行演练。演习了一个多月，叔孙通说：「上可试观。」皇帝视察后，让他们向自己行礼，然后说：「吾能为此。」于是命令群臣都来学习，这时正巧是十月，能进行岁首朝会的实际排练。

汉高帝七年（前200年），长乐宫已经建成，各诸侯王及朝廷群臣都来朝拜皇帝参加岁首大典。当时的朝仪是：天亮时，由谒者掌礼，来访者依次进入殿门。宫中设有车骑、步卒守卫，以及兵器、旗帜等。殿上传言：「趋」，殿下郎中侠陛，陛数百人入殿。功臣、列侯、将军及其他军官在西列队，向东而立；文官自丞相以下在东列队，向西而立。大行依爵位高低宣示来宾上殿。于是皇帝乘辇出房，百官手执帜而传警，引诸侯王以下至领六百石薪金的吏员依次奉贺。这时，自诸侯王以下，各人无不肃然起敬。礼成后开始酒会，宫内侍从坐在殿上，全部伏下，以来宾尊卑依次敬酒。九觞酒后，谒者宣布：「罢酒」。御史在场内执法，见到不依礼仪的人便立刻把他带走。整个酒会过程中都没有人敢喧哗失礼。

大典之后，刘邦非常得意地说：「吾乃今日知为皇帝之贵也。」于是授给叔孙通太常的官职，赏赐黄金500斤。随叔孙通入京的儒生获汉高帝封为郎，另外叔孙通把赏赐所得全数分赠随行的儒生。

消灭各藩

在楚汉战争中，刘邦为了换取各路实力军人的支持，以打败项羽，故封韩信等人为诸侯王。这样在西汉建立之初，被封的异姓王共有数人，即齐王韩信（后徙为楚王）、梁王彭越、淮南王英布、韩王信、赵王张耳、燕王臧荼（后更立卢绾）、衡山王吴芮（后改为长沙王）。

王国的封地，多者一百多城，少者三四十县，总面积比朝廷直辖郡县还要多，而且各王都拥有军队，行政、财政自专，名为汉臣，实为汉不能控制之独立军阀，对朝廷造成很大威胁。

汉高祖建国称帝时已过半百，身体多病，容易疑心，尤其是畏惧那些实力强大的异姓王们，各种削藩政策使得诸侯各自造反。结果，燕王臧荼最先起兵，兵败之后被捕杀、韩信先由齐王，改为楚王，刘邦假装出巡楚国，却将他劫持，贬为淮阴侯，留居京城，不让他到外地任职，而陈豨于汉十一年（前196年）在代国造反，刘邦亲征。舍人乐说告韩信欲攻皇后与太子以应陈豨，吕后采纳萧何之计杀掉韩信，夷三族。彭越被吕后诬以谋逆，被酼刑；韩王信、陈豨等败后叛逃匈奴，后战败被杀；英布起兵淮南，一开始声势甚猛，刘邦抱著病御驾亲征，并且与曹参会师，夹击灭了英布。燕王卢绾逃入匈奴。只有长沙国因为国家太小，才勉强得以保存，直到汉惠帝时才因为绝后而国除。

高帝十二年（前195年），刘邦曾杀白马为盟，除了宗室，不许以后再立异姓诸侯王，订下誓约：「非刘氏而王者，天下共击之。」这就是历史上的「白马之盟」。

刘邦还承认闽越的当地君长亡诸为王，但事实上闽越相当于藩属国，所以未在消灭之列。

刘邦对其他的列侯亦起疑心，萧何刻意以低价强行购买平民的房地产，自毁名誉，来使高祖对他释疑。高祖崩逝前因重病心忧下令陈平、周勃斩杀一直忠心耿耿的好友樊哙，樊哙是高祖的连襟，还在鸿门宴上救过高祖一命，只因樊哙是吕后之妹婿，高祖担心樊哙帮助诸吕作乱。后因樊哙是刘邦的老友，又是吕后的妹婿，陈平、周勃不敢妄动，高祖驾崩，樊哙才躲过一劫。

废立太子

刘邦晚年宠幸爱戚夫人而疏远了吕后，又认为吕后所生太子刘盈（汉惠帝）过于软弱，多次想废黜太子而改立戚氏之子赵王刘如意。

汉高帝十二年（前195年），刘邦随著击败英布的军队，回长安，病势更加沈重，愈想更换太子。张良劝谏，刘邦不听，张良就托病，不再理事。太子太傅叔孙通进谏规劝道：「古时晋献公因骊姬之故，罢黜了太子，立奚齐，晋国动乱了数十年，被天下人所笑。秦朝以不早定扶苏为太子，令赵高得以诈立胡亥，使自己的宗庙灭亡，此陛下所亲见。今太子仁孝，天下人皆闻之；吕后与陛下一起忧劳辛苦，难道可以背叛她！陛下必欲废嫡长子而立少子，臣愿意先伏诛，把脖子的血洒污宫殿之地。」刘邦说：「公不必这么说，我只是开开玩笑。」叔孙通说：「太子是天下的『根本』，『根本』一摇，天下震动，怎么以天下开玩笑！」刘邦说：「吾听公言。」但刘邦只是假装答应了他，还是想更换太子。

而御史大夫周昌更与刘邦极力争辩，刘邦问他理由何在，周昌有口吃的毛病，再加上非常激动，也就口吃得更厉害了，他说：「臣口不能言，然臣期期（期，通「极」）知其不可。陛下虽欲废太子，臣期期不奉诏。」刘邦听罢，很高兴地笑了。吕后因为在东厢侧耳听到上述对话，见到周昌时，就跪谢说：「没有君，太子几乎要被废了。」

吕后很惊慌，不知如何保住太子的地位。有人对吕后说：「留侯善于出计策，陛下相信、任用他。」吕后就派建成侯吕泽胁迫留侯张良说：「君长久以来都是陛下的谋臣，现在陛下打算撤换太子，怎么能高枕无忧地睡大觉呢？」张良说：「当初陛下多次是处在危急之中，才幸而采用了臣的计策。如今天下已经安定，由于自己偏爱的原因想更换太子，这些是人家骨肉之间的家务事，即使跟臣一样的一百多个人一同进谏，又有甚么用处呢？」吕泽竭力要挟说：「为我想想办法罢！」张良说：「这件事是很难用口舌来争辩的。陛下有招致不到的四个贤者，这四个人已经年老了，都认为陛下对人傲慢无礼，所以躲在山中，他们依道义而行，不肯做汉朝的臣子。但是陛下很敬重这四个人。现在您果真能不惜钱财，让太子写一封信，言辞谦恭，并预备可以安适的马车，再派有口才的人恳切地聘请，他们应当会来。来了以后，把他们当作贵宾，让他们时常跟著入朝，叫陛下见到他们，那么陛下一定会感到惊异并询问他们。一问他们，陛下知道这四个人贤能，这对太子是一个帮助啊。」于是吕后让吕泽派人携带太子的书信，用谦恭的言辞和丰厚的礼品，迎请这四个人。四个人来了，就住在建成侯的府第中为客。

等到安闲的时候，设置酒席，太子在旁侍侯。那四人跟著太子，他们的年龄都已八十多岁，鬂眉洁白，衣冠非常壮美奇特。刘邦感到奇怪，问道：「彼何为者？」四个人向前对答，各自说出姓名，叫东园公、角里先生、绮里季、夏黄公（商山四皓）。刘邦于是大惊说：「我访求诸公已好几年了，诸公都逃避著我，现在诸公为何自愿跟随我儿交游呢？」四人都说：「陛下轻慢士人，擅长的就是辱骂，我们追求义理，不愿受人侮辱，所以惶恐地隐居起来了。我们私下得知太子为人仁义孝顺，恭敬有礼，珍爱士人，天下人无不伸长脖子想为太子效死，所以我们就来了。」刘邦说：「要麻烦诸公好好调护太子到最后了。」

四个人敬酒祝福已毕，小步快走离去。刘邦目送他们，召唤戚夫人过来，指著那四个人给她看，说道：「我是想更换太子，但他们四个人辅佐太子，太子的羽翼已经形成，难以更换了。吕后真是你的主人了。」戚夫人哭泣起来，刘邦说：「你为我跳楚国的舞，我为你唱楚国的歌。」刘邦唱道：「鸿鹄高飞，一举千里。羽翮已就，横绝四海。横绝四海，当可奈何！虽有矰缴，尚安所施！」刘邦唱了几遍，戚夫人抽泣流泪，刘邦起身离去，酒宴结束。刘邦最终没更换太子，临终时还在牵挂刘如意戚夫人母子。戚夫人也在刘邦死后，遭吕后拔头发、斩去手脚，丢进厕所，被称为「人彘」。

经济

轻徭薄赋

刘邦称帝后，将士兵都遣散回家。下令各诸侯子弟留在关中的，免除赋税、徭役十二年，回到封国去的免除赋税徭役六年，国家供养他们一年。汉高帝十二年（前195年）二月，他又连下2诏，公告天下，表示朝廷有意轻徭薄赋。而各郡国对朝廷贡献过多，于是下诏规定数额，并规定进奉日期是每年的10月。汉初实行的十五税一制（田租为收成的1/15，约为6.67%），更是轻徭薄赋政策的明显例证。

解放奴婢

凡民众因为饥饿没有粮食，自己卖身到富户，成为奴婢者，皆免除其奴隶身分，改为庶人。

文化

重视儒生

刘邦早年放荡不羁，轻视儒生，称帝以后，仍认为读书无用。儒生陆贾在刘邦面前必言《诗经》、《书经》。刘邦破口大骂说：「你老子我，骑在马背上得了天下，怎么要我去钻研那些《诗》、《书》？」陆贾据理力争地说：「在马背上取得天下，难道也在马背上治理天下么？商汤和周武王，都是以武力取得天下，然后政治上顺应形势以文治守成，文治与武力并用，这才是长治久安的好方法啊。从前吴王夫差、智伯都是因穷兵黩武而使国家灭亡；秦朝也是一味使用严刑峻法而不知变通，最后导致秦二世的灭亡。假使秦朝统一天下之后行仁义，效法古代圣人，那陛下又怎么取得天下呢？」刘邦虽然不太开心、有点尴尬，但还是对陆贾说：「试著为我写下，秦国失天下的理由，我之所以得天下的理由，还有古代国家兴亡的历史。」于是命陆贾论述国家兴衰存亡的徵兆和原因，共写十二篇。每写完一篇就上奏给刘邦，刘邦无不称赞，左右群臣皆高呼万岁，他称这部书为《新语》。

后来刘邦因为平定英布叛乱回途路经山东，还准备祭品，亲自祭祀了孔子。

建设

新筑长安

汉高帝五年（前202年），开始兴建都城长安，当时以秦朝的兴乐宫为基础，修建长乐宫，做为皇宫。汉高帝七年（前200年），长乐宫建成，刘邦从洛阳迁都长安，并在长乐宫行叔孙通所制定的汉朝朝仪。

汉高帝八年（前199年），丞相萧何主持修建未央宫，并于长乐宫和未央宫之间修建武库，又于长安东南修建太仓。

刘邦看到宫殿非常壮观，很生气的对萧何说：「天下匈匈苦战数岁，成败未可知，是何治宫室过度也？」萧何说：「天下方未定，故可因遂就宫室。且夫天子四海为家，非壮丽无以重威，且无令后世有以加也。」刘邦这才信服。

军事

平城之战

秦亡以后，漠北的匈奴乘机南下骚扰汉朝北方边境。汉高帝六年（前201年），韩王信投降匈奴。汉高帝七年（前200年），在北伐匈奴时，刘邦打退冒顿又接受娄敬之策，以宗室女假称长公主，远嫁冒顿单于，开始了与匈奴的和亲政策。

去世

刘邦在讨伐英布前，就已得病，之后和英布交战时，又为流矢所中，回京师后，病况危急，不想见客，躺在皇宫之中，诏令守门武士不让群臣进入。群臣中如周勃、灌婴等猛将都不敢进宫。这样过了十多天，樊哙受不了了，推开宫门，闯了进去，后面群臣紧紧跟随。看到刘邦枕著一个宦官躺在床上。樊哙等人见到刘邦之后，痛哭流涕地说：「起初陛下与臣等在丰、沛起兵，平定天下，多么雄壮啊！今天下已定，又多么的疲惫啊！而且陛下病得很重，大臣震惊恐惧，不愿意接见臣等讨论大事，反而独自与跟一个宦官隔绝在这么？而且陛下唯独不见赵高之事么？」于是刘邦笑著从床上起来。

之后刘邦的病情急剧恶化，吕后请了良医为他医治，刘邦询问病情，医生进言：「可以治好。」刘邦听了不但不高兴，还骂医生说：「我不过是一个布衣，手提三尺之剑，取得天下，这难道不是天命么？人的命运是上天预定的，就算是扁鹊就能把我医好么？」不愿意继续治疗，赐给医师五十斤黄金，令医师离去。

之后吕后问刘邦：「陛下百岁之后，萧相国死了，令谁代之？」刘邦说：「曹参可以。」吕后问还有谁，刘邦说：「王陵可。然陵略显憨直，陈平可以助之。陈平智谋有馀，但是难以独当重任。周勃厚道稳重，不够文雅，但是安定刘氏者一定是周勃，可令为太尉。」吕后再问，刘邦说：「以后的事，也不是你能知道的。」暗示吕后也无法活那么久。

四月甲辰（前195年6月1日），刘邦驾崩于长乐宫中，吕后和审食其商量说：「那些将军们跟先帝一样出身普通编户之民，后来变成先帝的臣子，就常常流露出不满、不服的样子，怎么可能要他们侍奉少主，如果不全部族灭他们，天下就安定不了。」所以吕后过了四天还不宣布皇帝驾崩，打算发兵杀尽功臣将领。有人转告这些话给将军郦商。郦商去会见审食其，说：「我听说皇帝驾崩四天，还不发丧，意思是要杀掉所有大将。如果真的如此，天下就危险了。陈平、灌婴率十万大军镇守荥阳，樊哙、周勃率二十万大军攻下燕国和代国，如他们听说皇帝驾崩了，将军们都即将被遭杀戮，必定会联兵回头来攻关中。届时大臣们在京师叛乱，诸侯们在外面造反，国家迟早要灭亡的了。」审食其把这些话转告了吕后，吕后才赶紧在丁未日（6月4日）发丧，大赦天下。

五月丙寅（6月23日），葬刘邦于长陵。己巳（6月26日），太子刘盈继位，是为汉孝惠帝。

汉惠帝来到太上皇庙。群臣们都说：「先帝出身为普通百姓，为世道拨乱反正，平定天下，为汉朝的太祖，功最高。」上谥号为高皇帝，庙号为太祖。又下令全国各郡国诸侯建太祖庙，每年按时祭祀。至今在江西客家地区还有汉高帝信仰，尤其是江西宁都县汉帝信仰最普遍，几乎每个村都建有汉帝庙。

个人作品

汉高帝十二年（前195年），刘邦平定英布叛乱后，途中路过故乡沛县。在沛宫置备酒席，把老朋友和父老子弟都请来一起开怀畅饮。乡民们还召集沛中儿童120人唱歌助兴。酒到浓时，刘邦弹击著筑琴，唱起自编的楚歌：「大风起兮云飞扬，威加海内兮归故乡，安得猛士兮守四方！」让儿童们跟著学唱。刘邦边歌边舞，热泪盈眶。他对沛县父老兄弟说：「游子悲故乡。吾虽都关中，万岁后吾魂魄犹乐思沛。且朕自沛公以诛暴逆，遂有天下，其以沛为朕汤沐邑，复其民，世世无有所与。」沛县的父老兄弟天天快活饮酒，尽情欢宴，叙谈往事，取笑作乐。过了十多天，刘邦决定要走了，沛县父老坚决要刘邦多留几日。刘邦说：「吾人众多，父兄不能给。」于是离开沛县。这天，沛县城里全空了，百姓都赶到城西来敬献牛、酒等礼物。刘邦又停下来，搭起帐篷，痛饮三天。沛县父兄都叩头请求说：「沛幸得复，丰未复，唯陛下哀怜之。」刘邦说：「丰吾所生长，极不忘耳，吾特为其以雍齿故反我为魏。」但在百姓的再三请求下，刘邦才答应免除丰邑的赋税徭役，并封沛侯刘濞为吴王。

亲属

父母

• 太上皇刘太公

• 昭灵皇后王含始

兄弟姐妹

• 大哥 武哀王刘伯：早死，汉五年春正月，刘邦当时只是汉王，故追封其为武哀侯，高后七年五月辛未，追尊为武哀王。

• 二哥 吴顷王刘喜：被封为代王。后因匈奴来袭，弃城而走，被刘邦降为合阳侯，于前193年去世。其子刘濞被封吴王后，追封其为顷王。

• 四弟 楚元王刘交：儒家代表人物，少与申公、白生、穆生从荀子门人浮邱伯为学《诗》。汉六年春正月，封为楚王。元王归国，遣子刘郢客与同学往长安再从其师浮丘伯就学。申公等为《诗》作传，刘交亦为《诗》作传，号称《元王诗》，是儒家汉初代表作品之一。

• 宣夫人：刘邦的姐姐，名及事迹皆不详，高帝称帝后追尊为宣夫人，吕后七年夏五月辛未（前181年五月）追尊为昭哀后。

后妃

皇后

• 吕雉，即吕后，汉惠帝刘盈、鲁元公主之母。惠帝即位，尊为吕太后，谥号「高皇后」，东汉光武帝追去皇字，称高后。

妃嫔

• 戚姬

• 薄姬，汉文帝刘恒生母。文帝即位，尊为薄太后。

• 管夫人

• 夫人赵子儿

• 石美人，万石君石奋的姐姐。

• 傅夫人，仅知刘邦所葬汉长陵有傅夫人墓，前41年，有个名叫「忠」的男子与一群人，盗掘傅夫人墓。

• 唐姬，又称唐山夫人，汉初女诗人，创作有汉初著名诗集《安世房中歌》十七章。

其他后宫

• 曹氏，刘邦年轻时的情妇。《汉书》作曹夫人，未详是否得到名分。

• 赵姬，张敖所献美人，无封号。

皇子

• 皇庶长子 齐悼惠王刘肥（母曹氏）

• 皇嫡长子 汉惠帝刘盈（母吕后）

• 皇三子 赵隐王刘如意（母戚夫人）

• 皇四子 汉文帝刘恒（母薄姬）

• 皇五子 赵共王刘恢

• 皇六子 赵幽王刘友

• 皇七子 淮南厉王刘长（母赵姬）

• 皇八子 燕灵王刘建

皇女

• 皇长女 鲁元公主（母吕后，下嫁张敖）

• 李公主、申徒公主、荣公主、傅公主。湖北省江陵县张家山汉简《二年律令》中《秩律》有「李公主申徒公主荣公主傅主家丞秩各三百石」的记载，整理小组认为是「李公主申徒公主荣公主傅【公】主」，疑为吕后女。另说她们的母亲很可能是分别姓李、申徒、荣、傅的刘邦或汉惠帝刘盈姬妾。家丞是汉代诸侯王、列侯、公主家吏的最高长官。《二年律令》的时间是吕后二年（公元前186年）。两年前，年仅二十八岁的汉惠帝逝世，他共有七个儿子，但无女儿的记载。由于史籍对四位公主均无记载，所以无从判断。

评价

楚汉

西汉史学家司马迁在《史记》中的评价：「太史公曰：夏之政忠。忠之敝，小人以野，故殷人承之以敬。敬之敝，小人以鬼，故周人承之以文。文之敝，小人以僿，故救僿莫若以忠。三王之道若循环，终而复始。周秦之间，可谓文敝矣。秦政不改，反酷刑法，岂不缪乎？故汉兴，承敝易变，使人不倦，得天统矣。」

东汉史学家班固在《汉书》中对汉高祖刘邦一生事业的评价：

• 「初，高祖不修文学，而性明达，好谋，能听，自监门戍卒，见之如旧。初顺民心作三章之约。天下既定，命萧何次律令，韩信申军法，张苍定章程，叔孙通制礼仪，陆贾造《新语》。又与功臣剖符作誓，丹书铁契，金匮石室，藏之宗庙。虽日不暇给，规摹弘远矣。」

• 「赞曰：《春秋》晋史蔡墨有言：陶唐氏既衰，其后有刘累，学扰龙，事孔甲，范氏其后也。而大夫范宣子亦曰：『祖自虞以上为陶唐氏，在夏为御龙氏，在商为豕韦氏，在周为唐杜氏，晋主夏盟为范氏。』范氏为晋士师，鲁文公世奔秦。后归于晋，其处者为刘氏。刘向云战国时刘氏自秦获于魏。秦灭魏，迁大梁，都于丰，故周市说雍齿曰：『丰，故梁徙也。』是以颂高祖云：『汉帝本系，出自唐帝。降及于周，在秦作刘。涉魏而东，遂为丰公。』丰公，盖太上皇父。其迁日浅，坟墓在丰鲜焉。及高祖即位，置祠祀官，则有秦、晋、梁、荆之巫，世祠天地，缀之以祀，岂不信哉！由是推之，汉承尧运，德祚已盛，断蛇著符，旗帜上赤，协于火德，自然之应，得天统矣。」

郦食其：「收天下之兵，立诸侯之后。降城即以侯其将，得赂即以分其士，与天下同其利，豪英贤才皆乐为之用。」

魏豹：「汉王慢而侮人，骂詈诸侯髃臣如骂奴耳，非有上下礼节也。」

高起、王陵：「陛下慢而侮人，项羽仁而爱人。然陛下使人攻城略地，所降下者因以予之，与天下同利也。」

韩信：「陛下不能将兵，而善将将，此乃言之所以为陛下禽也。且陛下所谓天授，非人力也。」

陆贾：「项羽倍约，自立为西楚霸王，诸侯皆属，可谓至强。然汉王起巴、蜀，鞭笞天下，遂诛项羽，灭之。五年之间，海内平定。此非人力，天之所建也。」「皇帝继五帝、三皇之业，统理中国；中国之人以亿计，地方万里，万物殷富；政由一家，自天地剖判未始有也。」

司马迁：「然王迹之兴，起于闾巷，合从讨伐，轶于三代，乡秦之禁，适足以资贤者为驱除难耳。故愤发其所为天下雄，安在无土不王。此乃传之所谓大圣乎？」

魏晋南北朝

荀悦：「高祖起于布衣之中，奋剑而取天下，不由唐虞之禅，不阶汤武之王，龙行虎变，率从风云，征乱伐暴。廓清帝宇。八载之间，海内克定，遂何天之衢。登建皇极。上古已来，书籍所载，未尝有也。非雄俊之才、宽明之略、历数所授、神祇所相、安能致功如此。」

曹植：「昔汉之初兴，高祖因暴秦而起。官由亭长，自身亡徒。招集英雄，遂诛强楚。光有天下，功齐汤武。业流后嗣，诚帝王之元勋，人君之盛事也。然而名不继德，行不纯道。寡善人之美称，鲜君子之风采。惑秦宫而不出，窘项座而不起。计失乎郦生，忿过乎韩信。太公是诰，于孝违矣。败古今之大教，伤王道之实义。身没之后，崩亡之际，果令凶妇肆鸩酷之心，嬖妾被人豕之刑。亡赵幽囚，祸殃骨肉。诸吕专权，社稷几移。凡此诸事，岂非高祖寡计浅虑以致祸乱？然彼之雄才大略，倜傥之节，信当世至豪健壮杰士也。又其枭将尽荩臣，皆古今之鲜有，历世之希睹。彼能任其才而用之，听其言而察之。故兼天下而有帝位，流巨勋而遗元功也。不然斯不免当世之妄。」

曹冏：「汉祖奋三尺之剑，驱乌集之众，五年之中，遂成帝业。自开关以来，其兴立功勋，未有若汉祖之易也。夫伐深根者难为功，摧枯朽者易为力，理势然也。」

刘邵：「若一人之身，兼有英雄，则能长世；高祖、项羽是也。」

刘渊：「大丈夫当为汉高、魏武，呼韩邪何足效哉!」

石勒：「朕若逢高皇，当北面而事之，与韩彭竞鞭而争先耳。」。脱遇光武，当并驱于中原，未知鹿死谁手。大丈夫行事当礌礌落落，如日月皎然，终不能如曹孟德、司马仲达父子，欺他孤儿寡妇，狐媚以取天下也

司马昱：「高祖则倜傥疏达，魏武则猜忌狭吝。」

唐

李世民：「正主御邪臣，不能致理；正臣事邪主，亦不能致理。唯君臣相遇，有同鱼水，则海内可安也。昔汉高祖，田舍翁耳。提三尺剑定天下，既而规模弘远，庆流子孙者，此盖任得贤臣所致也。」

辽

辽太祖耶律阿保机敬仰刘邦，故兼姓刘氏；又以萧何助刘，故变其母族、后族为萧氏，辽朝皇族耶律氏也兼姓刘氏。

宋

司马光于资治通鉴中，引用班固的评价：「初，高祖不修文学，而性明达，好谋，能听，自监门、戍卒，见之如旧。初顺民心作三章之约。天下既定，命萧何次律、令，韩信申军法，张苍定章程，叔孙通制礼仪；又与功臣剖符作誓，丹书、铁契，金匮、石室，藏之宗庙。虽日不暇给，规摹弘远矣。」

苏轼：「予观汉高祖及光武，及唐太宗，及我太祖皇帝，能一天下者四君，皆以不嗜杀人者致之，其馀杀人愈多，而天下愈乱。」

苏辙：「夫古之英雄，唯汉高帝为不可及也夫。」

何去非：「汉太祖挟其在己之智术，固无足以定天下而王之。然天下卒归之者，盖能收人之智而任之不疑也。」

范浚：「夫以高祖权略智数，揽英豪而驱御之，盖真王霸才，虽羽百辈不敌也。」

明

明朝官修皇帝实录《明太祖实录》记载，明太祖朱元璋在洪武七年八月初一日（1374年9月7日），亲自前往南京历代帝王庙祭祀三皇五帝、夏禹王、商汤王、周武王、汉高祖、汉光武帝、隋文帝、唐太宗、宋太祖、元世祖一共十七位帝王。

洪武二十一年（1388年）隋文帝的塑像被撤出南京历代帝王庙，其中对汉高祖刘邦的祝文是：「惟汉高祖皇帝除嬴平项，宽仁大度，威加海内，年开四百。有君天下之德而安万世之功者也。元璋以菲德荷天佑人助，君临天下，继承中国帝王正统，伏念列圣去世已远，神灵在天，万古长存，崇报之礼，多未举行，故于祭祀有阙。是用肇新庙宇于京师，列序圣像及历代开基帝王，每岁祀以春、秋仲月，永为常典。今礼奠之初，谨奉牲醴、庶品致祭，伏惟神鉴。尚享！」；「项羽南面称孤，仁义不施，而自矜功伐。高祖知其然，承以柔逊，济以宽仁，卒以胜之。」

毛泽东

毛泽东对刘邦的评价是「老粗出人物」、「封建皇帝里边最厉害的一个」，「他得天下一因决策对头，二因用人得当」。1964年毛泽东更借题发挥，指出：「自古以来，能干皇帝大多是老粗出身。汉朝的刘邦是封建皇帝里边最厉害的一个——刘敬劝他不要建都洛阳，要建都长安，他立刻就去长安；鸿沟划界，项羽引兵东退，他也想到长安休息，张良说，什么条约不条约、要进攻，他立刻听了张良的话，向东进；韩信要求自封假齐王，刘邦说不行，张良踢了他一脚，他立刻改口说：『要封就封真齐王，何必要假的。』」毛泽东还认为项羽非政治家，刘邦则为一位高明的政治家。

毛泽东在1964年3月24日，在一次听取汇报时的插话中对汉高祖刘邦，元太祖成吉思汗、明太祖朱元璋的治国能力评价如下：「可不要看不起老粗。」「知识分子是比较最没有知识的，历史上当皇帝的，有许多是知识分子，是没有出息的：隋炀帝，就是一个会做文章、诗词的人；陈后主、李后主，都是能诗善赋的人；宋徽宗，既能写诗又能绘画。一些老粗能办大事：成吉思汗，是不识字的老粗；刘邦，也不认识几个字，是老粗；朱元璋也不识字，是个放牛的。」（毛泽东举例只是为了强调「一些老粗能办大事」，并不是说成吉思汗和刘邦真的不识字，也不是说刘邦只认识几个字。事实上，成吉思汗，刘邦，朱元璋三人身为帝王，他们的文化水平至少达到批阅奏摺和签署命令的程度。刘邦和朱元璋的文化水平不必细谈，相关史书记载很多，至于成吉思汗，元初耶律楚材在《玄风庆会录》一书中提到成吉思汗是可以亲自阅览文件的。）

其他

• 英国史学家汤恩比更与之和罗马的凯撒大帝齐名。「人类历史上最有远见、对后世影响最大的两位政治人物，一位是开创罗马帝国的恺撒，另一位便是创建大汉文明的刘邦。恺撒未能目睹罗马帝国的建立以及文明的兴起，便不幸遇刺身亡，而刘邦却亲手缔造了一个昌盛的时期，并以其极富远见的领导才能，为人类历史开创了新纪元！」（《展望二十一世纪—汤恩比和池田大作对话录》）

艺术形象

影视

• 香港电视剧《楚河汉界》（1985年）：由吴启华饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《淮阴侯韩信》（1991年）：由石维坚饰演刘邦。

• 中国电影《西楚霸王》（1994年）：由张丰毅饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《西楚霸王》（1994年）：由白志迪饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《汉刘邦》（1998年）：由刘文治饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《吕后传奇》（1998年）：由许还山饰演刘邦。

• 香港电视剧《楚汉骄雄》（2004年）：由郑少秋饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《大汉风》（2005年）：由肖荣生饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《大汉巾帼》（2005年）：由张志宏饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《神话》（2010年）：由李易祥饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《大风歌》（2010年）：由吕良伟饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《韩信》（2010年）：由孙海英饰演刘邦。

• 中国电影《鸿门宴》（2011年）：由黎明饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《楚汉争雄》（2011年）：由黄秋生饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《楚汉传奇》（2012年）：由陈道明饰演刘邦。

• 中国电影《王的盛宴》（2012年）：由刘烨饰演刘邦。

• 中国电视剧《秦时明月》（2014年）：由于波饰演刘邦。

动画

• 中国动画剧《秦汉英雄传》（2011年），由李璐担任刘邦的配音。

• 中国动画剧《秦时明月》第五季：君临天下（2015年），由贾邱担任刘邦的配音。

游戏

• 《王者荣耀》职业为坦克，为该游戏「四一分推战术」的始祖

纪年

轶事

刘氏冠

刘邦喜欢戴用竹皮编成的帽子，他让掌管捕盗的差役到薛城去监制。到后来显贵了，仍经常戴著。人们所说的「刘氏冠」，指的就是这种帽子。

对足球的贡献

由于刘邦喜好蹴鞠，在他成为皇帝以后，促进了蹴鞠成为西汉时期的全国性体育运动，同时亦成为了西汉皇家的重要娱乐项目之一，而不再仅是往日只流行于草根阶层。刘邦在皇宫范围内，规划了一座专业足球场，谓为鞠城。在刘邦的影响下，此后历代汉朝皇帝，也包括太子党在内的皇亲及贵族等都喜欢蹴鞠此运动。刘彻踢蹴鞠时，令其文学侍从枚皋作《蹴鞠赋》助兴。在汉朝时，蹴鞠被正式的列为汉朝军人训练项目之一，被军事专家视之为兵家伎巧，是提高军人体能的训练手段。刘邦向《别录》称，「蹋鞠，兵势也，所以练武士，知有材也，皆因嬉戏而讲练之。」

其中刘邦后人──汉武帝刘彻和汉成帝刘骜，更是资深球迷，又经常亲自上球场切磋技术。至于刘骜踢蹴鞠的投入程度更是使到朝臣担心其龙体的安康，后来劝说刘骜不再参与蹴鞠活动，而用名叫弹棋的室内娱乐项目替代之。汉武帝时代的悍将霍去病在远征匈奴时，军中曾经一度缺乏军粮；霍去病于是在战区上临时划了一块场地，带领士兵踢蹴鞠，以提起及振奋士气。

袒护正疆

刘邦大臣正疆上奏事情都很正确，刘邦非常满意，楚汉战争时期，刘邦常常和正疆共坐一辆车，并把自己的宝剑送给正疆。刘邦称帝后，让正疆担任郡守。有人告发正疆罪状，刘邦问他：「天下大乱的时候，你在哪呢？」告发者说：「逃亡。」刘邦说：「正疆跟从我在军中吹风淋雨，而你逃了，有什么资格检举他！」于是叫廷尉把告发者鼻子割了。

Birth and early life

In imperial Han myth, Liu Bang's ancestors were the mythical Emperor Yao and the Yellow Emperor. Many ancient Chinese noble families claimed descent from the Yellow Emperor to justify their right to rule.

Liu Bang was born during the late years of the Warring States period; his parents' are only remembered as "Liu Taigong" (刘太公; lit. "Old Sir Liu") and "Liu Ao" (刘媪; lit. "Old Madam Liu") His family was from Zhongyang (中阳里) (Feng (丰邑) district, Pei County) in the state of Chu. According to legend, Liu Bang was conceived after Liu Ao encountered a dragon during a rainstorm.

According to records, the young Liu was outspoken, charismatic, generous, and forbearing, but he had little interest in education or work and frequently ran into trouble with the law; he was dependent on his brother for subsistence and his father called him "little rascal". Later, he became good friends with Zhang Er (张耳, ? — 202 BCE), the magistrate of the nearby Waihuang County and former retainer of Lord Xinling. Liu lived with Zhang Er until the latter went into hiding after the conquest of Chu by Qin.

Liu returned to Pei County. His close friends at the county office, Xiao He and Cao Shen, hid his delinquent behaviour and helped him to be appointed as the local sheriff (亭长) at Sishui Pavilion (泗水亭). Liu Bang forged close relationships with most of the local county bureaucrats, and earned a small reputation in the district. While performing statute labour in Xianyang, the Qin capital, he witnessed Qin Shi Huang undertaking an inspection tour; the royal procession impressed Liu.

Liu's wife, Lü Zhi, was the daughter of Lü Wen, a wealthy and influential gentry from Shanfu County. After moving to Pei County, Lü Wen held a feast for the local elite. Xiao He, who helped to collect gifts from the guests, declared that a seat inside the hall required gifts worth at least a thousand coins. Liu attended the feast without money, and made an offer of ten thousand coins which Xiao He realized was not serious. Nonetheless, Lü had Liu seated beside him based on appearance alone. Lü, further impressed by Liu in conversation, offered his daughter in marriage. Liu and Lü Zhi were married and had two children, Liu Ying (the future Emperor Hui) and the future Princess Yuan of Lu.

Insurrection against the Qin dynasty

Liu was responsible for escorting a group of penal laborers to the construction site of the First Emperor's mausoleum at Mount Li. During the journey, some prisoners escaped; under Qin law, allowing prisoners to escape was punishable by death. Rather than face justice, Liu freed the remaining prisoners and fled. Liu was joined by some of the grateful ex-prisoners, and he became their leader. They took over an abandoned stronghold on Mount Mangdang. Liu secretly remained in contact with some old friends, including Xiao He and Cao Shen in Pei County.

According to the legend of the "Uprising of the Slaying of the White Serpent" (斩白蛇起义), Liu's ascension to rulership was prophesied after becoming an outlaw. In the legend, a gigantic white serpent killed some of the outlaws with its poisonous breath; the serpent was killed by a drunk Liu during the night. The next morning, the outlaws encountered an old woman along the road; when asked why she was crying she mysteriously disappeared after replying: "My child, the White Emperor's son, has been slain by the son of the Red Emperor." Liu reputation grew among his followers, who became convinced of his destiny.

In 209 BCE, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang started the anti-Qin Dazexiang Uprising. The magistrate of Pei County considered joining the rebellion, and – on the advice of Xiao He and Cao Shen – invited Liu's group to the county to support him; the invitation was transmitted by Fan Kuai, Liu's his brother-in-law. However, the magistrate changed his mind and rescinded the offer; he also ordered Xiao and Cao to be killed lest they open the gates for Liu, but they escaped and joined Liu. On Xiao's advice, Liu secured the aid of commoners from the county beide Pei through written appeals delivered by arrows fired across the border. Peasants responded by killing the Pei County magistrate and welcoming Liu's return. Liu became known as the self-styled "Duke of Pei" (沛公).

In 208 BC, the Qin empire faced rebellions that sought to restore the states conquered during the wars of unification. In Wu County, the uprising of Xiang Liang – a commoner and son of a Chu general – installed Xiong Xin as "King Huai II" (楚后怀王) of Chu. Liu joined Xiang Liang's uprising. After Xiang Liang was killed at the Battle of Dingtao, Huai II sent Xiang Yu – Xiang Liang's nephew – and minister Song Yi to lead an army to reinforce the Zhao state against the attacking Qin.

Liu Bang was made "Marquis of Wu'an" (武安侯) and ordered to lead an army against Guanzhong in the Qin heartland. Huai II promised to grant rulership of Guanzhong as "King of Guanzhong" to whoever entered the region first. In 206 BC, Liu Bang won the race to Guanzhong over Xiang and arrived outside Xianyang, the Qin capital. The last Qin ruler, Ziying, surrendered the city without resistance. Liu's occupation policies were informed by Fan Kuai – now his bodyguard – and Zhang Liang – his strategist. Troops were forbidden from mistreating the population and looting. The harsh Qin laws were abolished; murder, robbery and burglary remained subject to strict punishments. Order was quickly restored in the city, and Liu won the respect of the Guanzhong population. Xiao He ordered the collection of all legal documents in the Qin palace and government facilities for preservation.

King of Han

Feast at Hong Gate

Xiang Yu disliked losing the race to Guanzhong. On the advice of Fan Zeng – his advisor – and Cao Wushang (曹无伤) – an informer from Liu's camp – Xiang Yu planned to hold a banquet in which to assassinate Liu. Xiang Yu was pursuaded by Xiang Bo, his uncle and a close friend of Zhang Liang, not to order the assassination during the banquet. Frustrated by the indecision, Fan Zeng ordered Xiang Zhuang, Xiang Yu's cousin, to perform and kill Liu during a sword dance, but this was stymied by Xiang Bo joining the dance and protecting Liu. Zhang Liang slipped away and summoned Fan Kuai, who arrived at the banquet in full armor and scolded Xiang Yu for the sinister plot. Embarrassed by Fan Kuai's accusation, Xiang Yu ordered the sword dance to stop and rewarded Fan Kuai for his bravery. Liu Bang escaped Xiang Yu's camp after pretending to go to the latrine, and then led his army westward. Xiang Yu then sacked Xianyang and burned the Epang Palace.

Enfeoffment at Hanzhong

After occupying Xianyang, Xiang Yu proclaimed himself the "Hegemon-King of Western Chu" and split the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms. He gave Guanzhong to three former Qin generals – Zhang Han, Sima Xin and Dong Yi – instead of to Liu. Liu received the isolated Bashu region (Sichuan Basin and upper Han River valley), then a place used for exiling prisoners, as Xiang Yu claimed that Bashu was part of Guanzhong. Zhang Liang, who was leaving for his native state of Han, negotiated a better arrangement on Liu's behalf after bribing Xiang Yu through Xiang Bo. To Liu, Xiang Yu added Nanzheng, the surrounding rift valley region around the (then) middle Han River, and the title of "King of Han".

Liu's army was escorted across the Qinling Mountains by a detachment of Xiang Yu's army. On Xiao He's advice, Liu burned the gallery roads behind him to prevent attack by Xiang Yu, and to reassure Xiang Yu that he would not return.

Chu-Han contention

From 206 to 202 BC, Liu Bang engaged Xiang Yu in a power struggle – historically known as the Chu–Han contention – for supremacy over China, while simultaneously attacking and subjugating the other kingdoms.

Conquest of the Three Qin

Liu Bang's migration into Nanzheng was far from pleasant – his followers were mostly from the Wu and Chu flatland regions and adapted poorly in the mountainous Bashu lands, and deserters grew on a daily basis. Liu Bang also grew temperamental, as he was very unhappy with his own predicament. One night, rumor arrived that Xiao He also disappeared, and Liu Bang almost had a nervous breakdown. When Xiao He returned the following morning, Liu Bang furiously confronted him and demanded an explanation. Xiao He revealed that he was in a rush chasing back an extremely talented military strategist named Han Xin, who was then merely a low-ranking officer only recently recruited into Liu Bang's army. Xiao He then introduced Liu Bang to Han Xin, who laid out his strategic plan to conquer the states. Impressed and convinced, Liu Bang formally assigned Han Xin as the supreme commander of his army.

Meanwhile, Xiang Yu's overbearing and arbitrary handling over the enfeoffments created much anger among the rebel leaders. Merely four months after Liu Bang's departure into Bashu, a rebellion broke out in the Qi kingdom in late 206 BCE, and Xiang Yu left Western Chu to suppress the revolt. Under Han Xin's advise, Liu Bang sent men to pretend trying to repair the previously burnt gallery roads, drawing away the attention of the Three Qins. At the same time, Han Xin used the distraction to invade Guanzhong unexpectedly via Chencang, and quickly defeated Zhang Han in a surprise attack. Following that, Sima Xin and Dong Yi both surrendered to Liu Bang, and by 205 BC the Three Qins became part of Liu's Kingdom of Han.

Defeat at Pengcheng

With Xiang Yu occupied to the east, Liu Bang collected a force of 560,000 troops from his subordinate lands, and marched east to attack Western Chu. En route, he encountered Peng Yue, who joined his cause upon promise of a fiefdom in Wei. As opposed to combining forces, Liu Bang sent Peng Yue's 30,000 troops to pacify the surrounding area. Liu Bang's army entered Xiang Yu's capital of Pengcheng apparently unopposed, looting its valuables and taking its women, but discipline had become lax and each day found the Han troops deeper in their cups.

Hearing of the fall of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu ordered the bulk of his forces to maintain the attack on Qi, while he personally led 30,000 crack troops to retake the capital. He encamped about ten miles from a city in present-day Xiao County, Anhui, and launched an attack on Pengcheng at dawn, and by noon had routed the unprepared Han army, driving them into the nearby Gu and Si Rivers, where over 100,000 men drowned or were killed by Chu soldiers. The remaining Han troops fled south to high ground, but were cornered by Chu forces by the Sui River, where another 100,000 drowned, their corpses damming up the river.

Liu Bang escaped the city with a handful of mounted bodyguards, heading to nearby Pei to collect his family. Xiang Yu also dispatched troops to Pei in an attempt to capture Liu Bang's family. His family had all fled, but Liu Bang encountered on the road his eldest daughter and second eldest son Liu Ying. The Chu army coerced a local into leading them to capture two of Liu Bang's family as hostages: his father Liu Taigong and wife Lü Zhi. One account states Liu Bang's mother was also captured. The Records of the Grand Historian recounts an event during this conflict, an event omitted from Liu Bang's own biography but present in the biography of Xiang Yu, where Liu Bang pushed his own children out of his carriage three times to lighten it in a desperate attempt to escape Xiang Yu's men, and it is only the repeated intervention of Xiahou Ying that secures the children's escape.

Battle of Jingsuo

After the disastrous defeat at Pengcheng, the strength of the Han forces decreased drastically. Many of the kings who had surrendered to Liu Bang earlier had also defected to Xiang Yu's side. Moreover, the Qi and Zhao kingdoms, which were previously at war with Chu, also requested to make peace with Chu.

Upon reaching Xiayi (下邑; east of present-day Dangshan County, Suzhou, Anhui), which was defended by his brother-in-law, Liu Bang reorganised his troops for a retreat. When he arrived at Yu (虞; present-day Yucheng County, Shangqiu, Henan), he sent an envoy to meet Ying Bu (King of Jiujiang) to appeal for support. Ying Bu, who held a grudge over Xiang Yu's unfair enfeoffment over the Eighteen Kingdoms, agreed to join Liu Bang and rebelled against Western Chu. Xiang Yu responded by sending Long Ju to attack Ying Bu.

In 205 BC, Liu Bang named his son Liu Ying as his crown prince and ordered him to defend Yueyang. Shortly after, Han forces conquered Feiqiu (废丘; present-day Xingping, Shaanxi), which was guarded by Zhang Han, who committed suicide after his defeat. On another front, Ying Bu was unable to defeat Long Ju so he gave up on Jiujiang and went to join Liu Bang. Liu Bang reorganised his army, which now included reinforcements from Guanzhong (sent by Xiao He) and Han Xin's troops, and attacked Chu at Jing County (京县; around present-day Xingyang, Zhengzhou, Henan) and Suoting (索亭; near present-day Xingyang, Henan). He emerged victorious, and drove Xiang Yu's forces east of Xingyang.

Battle of Chenggao and Treaty of Hong Canal

In 204 BC, after sustaining losses from Chu attacks on the newly built supply routes from Xingyang, the Han army was running short of supplies. Liu Bang negotiated for an armistice with Xiang Yu and agreed to cede the lands east of Xingyang to Western Chu. Xiang Yu wanted to accept Liu Bang's offer, but Fan Zeng advised him to reject it and use the opportunity to destroy Liu Bang. Xiang Yu changed his mind, pressed the attack on Xingyang and besieged Liu Bang's forces inside the city. Liu Bang heeded Chen Ping's suggestion to bribe Xiang Yu's men with 40,000 catties of gold for them to spread rumours that Fan Zeng had the intention of betraying Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu fell for the ruse and dismissed Fan Zeng.

Later that year, while Xiang Yu was away suppressing the rebellion in the Qi kingdom, Li Yiji advised Liu Bang to use the opportunity to attack Western Chu. Han forces conquered Chenggao and defeated the Chu army led by Cao Jiu near the Si River. Liu Bang's forces advanced further until they reached Guangwu (广武). Chu forces led by Zhongli Mo were trapped by the Han army at the east of Xingyang. Following Han Xin's victory in the Battle of Wei River, the Chu army's morale fell and it ran short of supplies months later. Xiang Yu had no choice but to request to make peace with Liu Bang and released Liu's family members, who were held hostage by him. Chu and Han agreed to a ceasefire at the Treaty of Hong Canal (鸿沟和约), which divided China into east and west under their respective domains.

Battle of Gaixia

In 203 BC, while Xiang Yu was retreating eastward, Liu Bang, acting on the advice of Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, renounced the Treaty of Hong Canal and ordered an attack on Western Chu. He also requested assistance from Han Xin and Peng Yue to attack Xiang Yu simultaneously from three directions. However, Han Xin and Peng Yue did not mobilise their troops and Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu at Guling (固陵; south of present-day Taikang County, Zhoukou, Henan), and was forced to retreat and reinforce his defences. At the same time, he sent messengers to meet Han Xin and Peng Yue again, and promised to give them land and titles if they joined him in attacking Xiang Yu, and they finally agreed.

Three months later in 202 BC, Han forces led by Liu Bang, Han Xin and Peng Yue attacked Western Chu from three directions. The Chu army was running low on supplies and Xiang Yu was trapped in Gaixia. Han Xin ordered his troops to sing Chu folk songs to create a false impression that the Chu homeland had fallen to Han forces. The Chu army's morale plummeted and many soldiers deserted. Xiang Yu attempted to break out the siege, and after fighting out of repeated traps was left with only 28 men when he reached the northern bank of the Wu River (near present-day He County, Chaohu City, Anhui). He made a last stand and managed to slay several Han soldiers before eventually committing suicide.

Establishment of the Han dynasty

In 202 BCE, Liu Bang was enthroned as the emperor with support from his subjects even though he expressed reluctance to take the throne. He named his dynasty "Han", and was historically known as "Emperor Gaozu" (or "Emperor Gao"). He established the capital in Luoyang (later moved to Chang'an) and instated his official spouse Lü Zhi as the empress and their son Liu Ying as the crown prince.

The following year, Emperor Gaozu wanted to reward his subjects who had contributed to the founding of the Han Empire, but the process dragged on for a year because they could not agree on the distribution of the rewards. The emperor thought that Xiao He's contributions were the greatest, so he awarded Xiao the title "Marquis of Zan" and gave him the largest amount of food stores. Some of the others expressed objections because they thought that Xiao was not directly involved in battle so his contributions should not be considered the greatest. Emperor Gaozu replied that Xiao He should receive the highest credit because he planned their overall strategy in the war against Xiang Yu. He named Cao Shen as the person who made the greatest contributions in battle and rewarded him and the others accordingly.

Reign

Reducing taxes and corvée

Emperor Gaozu disbanded his armies and allowed the soldiers to return home. He gave an order stating that the people who remained in Guanzhong were exempted from taxes and corvée for 12 years while those who returned to their respective native territories were exempted for six years and that the central government would provide for them for a year. He also granted freedom to those who had sold themselves into slavery to avoid hunger during the wars. In 195 BC, the emperor issued two decrees: the first officialised the lowering of taxes and corvée; the second set the amount of tribute to be paid by the vassal kings to the imperial court in the 10th month of every year. The land tax on agricultural production was reduced to a rate of 1/15 of crop yield. He also privatised the coinage.

Emphasis on Confucianism

In his early days, Emperor Gaozu disliked reading and scorned Confucianism. After becoming the emperor, he still held the same attitudes towards Confucianism as he did before until he encountered the scholar Lu Jia (or Lu Gu). Lu Gu wrote a 12-volume book, Xinyu (新语), which espoused the benefits of governing by moral virtue as opposed to using harsh and punitive laws (as it was under the Qin dynasty). Lu Gu read each volume to the emperor after he finished writing it. The emperor was deeply impressed. Under Emperor Gaozu's reign, Confucianism flourished and gradually replaced Legalism (of Qin times) as the state ideology. Confucian scholars, including Lu Gu, were recruited to serve in the government. The emperor also reformed the legal system by relaxing some laws inherited from the Qin regime and reducing the severity of certain penalties. In 196 BC, after suppressing a rebellion by Ying Bu, he passed by Shandong, the birthplace of Confucius, and personally prepared for a ceremony to pay respect to the philosopher.

Dispute over the succession

In his later years, Emperor Gaozu favoured Concubine Qi and neglected Empress Lü Zhi. He thought that Liu Ying, his heir apparent (born to the empress), was too weak to be a ruler. Thus, he had the intention of replacing Liu Ying with another son, Liu Ruyi, who was born to Concubine Qi. Lü Zhi became worried, so she asked Zhang Liang to help her son maintain his position. Zhang Liang recommended four reclusive wise men, the Four Whiteheads of Mount Shang, to help Liu Ying.

In 195 BC as Emperor Gaozu's health started to worsen, he desired even more to replace Liu Ying with Liu Ruyi as the crown prince. Zhang Liang tried to dissuade him but was ignored, so he retired on the excuse that he was ill. Shusun Tong (the crown prince's tutor) and Zhou Chang also strongly objected to the emperor's decision to replace Liu Ying with Liu Ruyi. Zhou Chang said, "I am not good in arguing, but I know this is not right. If Your Majesty deposes the Crown Prince, I won't follow your orders any more." Zhou Chang was outspoken and had a stutter, which to some made his speech very amusing. The emperor laughed. After that, the Four Whiteheads of Mount Shang (also known as the Four Haos of Mount Shang) showed up in the court. Emperor Gaozu was surprised to see them because they had previously declined to join the civil service when he invited them. The four men promised to help Liu Ying in the future if he were to remain as the crown prince. The emperor was pleased to see that Liu Ying had their support so he dismissed the idea of changing his heir apparent.

Military campaigns

After establishing the Han dynasty, Emperor Gaozu appointed princes and vassal kings to help him govern the Han Empire and gave each of them a piece of land. There were seven vassal kings who were not related to the imperial clan: Zang Tu, the King of Yan; Hán Xin, the King of Hán; Han Xin, the King of Chu; Peng Yue, the King of Liang; Ying Bu, the King of Huainan; Zhang Er, the King of Zhao; Wu Rui, the King of Changsha. However, later, the emperor became worried that the vassal kings might rebel against him because they, after all, had no blood relations with him. Han Xin and Peng Yue were (falsely) accused of treason, arrested and executed along with their families. Ying Bu and Zang Tu rebelled against him but were defeated and killed. Only Wu Rui and Zhang Er were left.

The Xiongnu in the north had been a threat since the Qin dynasty. Qin Shi Huang had sent the general Meng Tian to oversee the defences on the Qin Empire's northern border and the construction of the Great Wall to repel the invaders. Meng Tian achieved success in deterring the Xiongnu from advancing beyond the border. However, after the Qin dynasty collapsed, the Xiongnu seized the opportunity to move south and raid the border again. In 201 BCE, Hán Xin (King of Hán) defected to the Xiongnu leader, Modu. In the following year, Emperor Gaozu led an army to attack the Xiongnu but was besieged and trapped by the enemy at the Battle of Baideng. Acting on Chen Ping's advice, he bribed Modu's wife with gifts and got her to ask her husband to withdraw his forces. Modu did so. After returning to the capital, Emperor Gaozu initiated the policy of heqin, which involved sending noble ladies to marry the Xiongnu leaders and paying annual tribute to the Xiongnu in exchange for peace between the Han Empire and the Xiongnu.

Death

Emperor Gaozu was wounded by a stray arrow during the campaign against Ying Bu. He became seriously ill and remained in his inner chambers for a long period of time and ordered his guards to deny entry to everyone who tried to visit him. After several days, Fan Kuai barged into the chambers to see the emperor and the other subjects followed behind him. They saw Emperor Gaozu lying on his bed and attended to by a eunuch. Fan Kuai said, "How glorious it was when Your Majesty first led us to conquer the empire and how weary we are now. Your subjects are worried when they learn that Your Majesty is ill, but Your Majesty refuses to see us and prefers the company of a eunuch instead. Has Your Majesty forgotten the incident about Zhao Gao?" The emperor laughed and got out of bed to meet his subjects.

Emperor Gaozu's health deteriorated later so Empress Lü Zhi hired a famous physician to heal him. When Emperor Gaozu enquired about his condition, the physician told him that his illness could be cured, but the emperor was displeased and he scolded the physician, "Isn't it Heaven's will that I managed to conquer this empire in simple clothing and with nothing but a sword? My life is determined by Heaven. It is useless even if Bian Que is here!" He refused to continue with the treatment and sent the physician away. Before his death, he said that Cao Shen could succeed Xiao He as the chancellor after Xiao died, and that Wang Ling could succeed Cao Shen. He also said that Wang Ling might be too young to perform his duties so Chen Ping could assist Wang, but Chen was also qualified to assume the responsibilities of a chancellor all by himself. He also named Zhou Bo as a possible candidate for the role of Grand Commandant. He died in Changle Palace, Chang'an, on 1 June 195 BCE and was succeeded by Liu Ying, who became historically known as Emperor Hui.

Song of the Great Wind

The Song of the Great Wind was a song composed by Liu Bang in 195 BC when he visited his hometown in Pei County after suppressing Ying Bu's rebellion. He prepared a banquet and invited all his old friends and townsfolk to join him. After some drinks, Liu Bang played the guqin and sang the Song of the Great Wind.

Family

Consorts and Issue:

• Empress Gao, of the Lü clan (高后 吕氏; 241–180 BC), personal name Zhi (雉)

　• Princess Yuan of Lu (鲁元公主; d. 187 BC), first daughter

　　• Married Zhang Ao, Marquis Xuanping (d. 182 BC), and had issue (one daughter, Empress Xiaohui)

　• Liu Ying, Emperor Xiaohui (孝惠皇帝 刘盈; 210–188 BC), second son

• Empress Gao, of the Bo clan (高皇后 薄氏; d. 155 BC)

　• Liu Heng, Emperor Xiaowen (孝文皇帝 刘恒; 203–157 BC), fourth son

• Furen, of the Cao clan (夫人 曹氏)

　• Liu Fei, King Daohui of Qi (齐悼惠王 刘肥; 221–189 BC), first son

• Furen, of the Qi clan (夫人 戚氏; 224–194 BC), personal name Yi (懿)

　• Liu Ruyi, King Yin of Zhao (赵隐王 刘如意; 208–194 BC), third son

• Lady, of the Zhao clan (赵氏; d. 198 BC)

　• Liu Chang, King Li of Huainan (淮南厉王 刘长; 199–174 BC), seventh son

• Unknown

　• Liu Hui, King Gong of Zhao (赵共王 刘恢; d. 181 BC), fifth son

　• Liu You, King You of Zhao (赵幽王 刘友; d. 181 BC), sixth son

　• Liu Jian, King Ling of Yan (燕灵王 刘建; d. 181 BC), eighth son

Ancestry

Modern references

Liu Bang is one of the 32 historical figures who appear as special characters in the video game Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI by Koei.

His life story has also been dramatized in numerous TV series and films (See Chu–Han Contention#Cultural references).