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220
End of the Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty fell due to diseases (smallpox and measles) and and political turmoil (Yellow turban Rebellion left the government very weak). -
Period: 589 to 618
Sui dynasty; building of the Grand Canal
The Sui dynasty did not last long, but was very important because it unified the Northern and Southern Dynasties, as well as re-instituted the Chinese rule in China. (Succeeded by Tang Dynasty) -
Period: 618 to 907
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty is known for their expansion of territories, their grand cities/palaces, their thriving foreign trade, their art, literature, religious lifestyle, and aristocrats. -
Period: 690 to 705
Empress Wu; Buddhist influence in China peaks
Empress Wu was the only female empeorar ever in the history of china. She ruled the Tang Dynasty. Wu, promoted Buddhism over Confucianism and Daoism, thus spreading Buddhism throughout China by utilizing Buddhist scriptures and other visual images (temples and statues). -
840
period of Buddhist persecution
Emperor Wuzong who ruled the tang dynasty towards the end of its reign strongly disliked Buddhism because it was foreign, because monks would not pay taxes, and because it was gaining more and more power. 845, began the decline of Chinese Buddhism. -
907
End of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty ended when Zhu Wen defeated Ai, and took the throne for himself. One year later, Emperor Ai died due to Zhu Wen’s poison. -
Period: 960 to 1279
Song Dynasty; Neo-Confucian revival
The Song Dynasty was known for its advancements and invention (moveable type, gunpowder, magnetic compass). It also had the first standing navy in the world. The new-Confucian revival began in the 9th century, and had a peak during the 11th century in Northern Song Dynasty. -
1119
First Reference to use of Compass for sea navigation
It was first invented as early as the times of the Han/Tang Dynasty. From 1040-44 the Song Dynasty utilized the compass for the military. Then by 1111-1117 it was also used for maritime navigation. -
Period: 1127 to 1279
Southern Song Dynasty
The Southern Song Dynasty uplifted its naval power By defending its waters and land borders as well as to send missions abroad. They also invented new technology for the military-seemed from gunpowder. -
Period: 1279 to 1368
Mongol (Yuan) dynasty rules all China
The Yuan Dynasty was led by Kublai, and was the first dynasty that was foreign-led. The first empire to use paper money as their main currency. The rulers also advanced technology, transportation, and the arts. The Mongols became more and more like the Chinese as time went by.