Sang Hongyang

Sang Hongyang was a prominent official of the Han dynasty, who served Emperor Wu of Han and his successor Emperor Zhao. He is famous for his economic policies during the reign of Emperor Wu, the best known of which include the state monopolies over iron and salt—systems which would be imitated by other dynasties throughout Chinese history. A participant in the debate of Salt and Iron of 81 BC, Sang was executed in 80 BC by the regent Huo Guang on charges of treason.