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China: Emperor Wendi (r.180-157 BCE), fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE).

China: Emperor Wendi (r.180-157 BCE), fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE).

Emperor Wen of Han (202 BC – 157 BC) was the fifth emperor of the Han Dynasty in China. In a move of lasting importance in 165 BC, Emperor Wen introduced recruitment to the civil service through examinations. Previously, potential officials never sat for any sort of academic examinations. Their names were sent by local officials to the central government based on reputations and abilities, which were sometimes judged subjectively.

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