Emperor Ling of Han was the 13th emperor of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, ruling from 168 to 189 AD. He was born Liu Hong and became emperor at a young age after the death of his father, Emperor Huan. His reign is often noted for the increasing power of court eunuchs and the decline of central authority. During Emperor Ling's rule, the Han Dynasty faced significant challenges, including corruption and internal strife. His reliance on eunuchs led to political instability, which ultimately contributed to the dynasty's weakening and the eventual rise of the Three Kingdoms period.