Wang Mang

Wang Mang (45 bc- ad 23), Chinese emperor, founder and only ruler (ad 9-23) of the Xin dynasty. A nephew of a Han dynasty empress, Wang Mang became a regent in 8 bc but fell from favour when his cousin, the emperor, died the following year. Recalled as regent in 1 bc, he manoeuvered his way to a position as acting emperor in ad 6 by supporting a child's accession and three years later openly assumed the throne. Wang tried to resolve the economic problems then afflicting the realm, partly to consolidate his rule. He ordered a redistribution of large estate lands to peasants, established government monopolies, and strengthened the bureaucracy. Natural catastrophes causing harvest failure and famine, however, produced great unrest among the populace, which flared up in rebellions. Wang was killed by rebels known as the Red Eyebrows in his capital at Chang'an.