Wang Mang

Wang Mang (45 bc-ad23), Chinese emperor, founder and only ruler (ad9-23) of the Xin dynasty. A nephew of a Han empress, Wang Mang became a regent in 8 bc but fell from favor when his cousin, the emperor, died the following year. Recalled as regent in 1 bc, he maneuvered his way to a position as acting emperor in ad 6 and three years later openly assumed the throne. Wang tried to resolve the economic problems then afflicting the realm. 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 in his capital at Chang’an.