Emperor Gaozu, born as Liu Zhi, was the founder of the Han Dynasty in ancient China. He rose from humble beginnings as a peasant and became a military leader during the Qin Dynasty's decline. In 202 BCE, he declared himself emperor after defeating rival warlords, marking the start of a new era in Chinese history. As emperor, Gaozu focused on stabilizing the country and promoting agriculture. He implemented policies that reduced taxes and allowed people to return to farming, which helped restore the economy. His reign laid the foundation for the Han Dynasty, which became one of China's most influential periods.