Emperor Yuan of Han

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Emperor Yuan of Han 漢元帝
Jieyu Fighting against Bear by Jin Tingbiao, Palace Museum, China. Emperor Yuan was depicted at the top of the flight of steps.
Emperor of the Han dynasty
Reign	29 January 48[1] – 8 July 33 BC
Predecessor	Emperor Xuan
Successor	Emperor Cheng
Born	75 BC Chang'an, Han Empire
Died	8 July 33 BC (aged 42) Chang'an, Han Empire
Burial	Wei Mausoleum (渭陵), Xianyang
Consorts	Empress Xiaoyuan Consort Fu Consort Feng Consort Wei
Issue	Emperor Cheng of Han Liu Kang, Prince Gong of Dingtao Liu Xing, Prince Xiao of Zhongshan Princess Pingdou Princess Pingyang Princess Yingyi
Names Family name: Liu (劉) Given name: Shi (奭) Posthumous name Emperor Xiaoyuan (孝元皇帝)
House	Liu
Dynasty	Han (Western Han)
Father	Emperor Xuan
Mother	Empress Gong'ai

Emperor Yuan of Han, personal name Liu Shi (劉奭; 75 BC – 8 July 33 BC), was an emperor of the Chinese Han dynasty. He reigned from 48 BC to 33 BC. Emperor Yuan promoted Confucianism as the official creed of the Chinese government. He appointed adherents of Confucius to important government posts.

However, at the same time that he was solidifying Confucianism's position as the official ideology, the empire's condition slowly deteriorated due to his indecisiveness, his inability to stop factional infighting between officials in his administration, and the trust he held in certain corrupt officials. He was succeeded by Emperor Cheng.