The building of Loyang was an interesting historical development. It ushered in a new age for aristocrats and peasants, while at the same time keeping the old social taboos well intact. The emperor Liu Hsiu, who oversaw its construction, not only used the construction as a way of fortifying the city and innovating society for the peasants, but he also used it as an excuse to consolidate aristocratic power with the building of mansions and other great monuments.