Tang Dynasty

Li Yuan establishes the Tang dynasty.

618

Li Yuan, a vassal in the Sui court, who led a rebellion against his former masters and seized control of the state, thus founding the Tang Dynasty. He proclaims himself Emperor Gaozu in 618. Emperor Gaozu of Tang. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/image/7385/emperor-gaozu-of-tang/ (Originally photographed 2017, October 06)

Tang dynasty

Period: 618 to 907

The Tangy dynasty, which was in power from 618-906, is considered the golden age of Chinese culture. The dynasty is known for its territorial expansion, its flourishing foreign trade, art, literature, and religious dominance of Buddhism.

Li Shimin becomes Emperor Taizong of Tang

626

Emperor Gaozu's rule is destabilized and as a result he gives the throne to to Li Shimin. He changed his name to emperor Taizong when he became the second emperor of the Tang dynasty. He can also be regarded as a co-founder of the dynasty due to encouraging Li Yuan, his father, to rebel against the Sui dynasty. Hardouin. (2017, March 07). Emperor Taizong [Photograph].

Taizong initiates the spread of Buddhism.

638

Taizon sent Xuanzang, a famous Monk, to Tianzhu to learn about the teachings of Buddha. Many Buddhist scriptures were sent back to China, which led to the development of the religion and cultural exchanges.As a result, Buddhism evolved into the Tang dynasty's main religion and millions of devout believers worshipped Buddha and built temples across China.

Tang defeat the Turkish and take over frontier

657

The Tang dynasty defeated the Turks in 657 C.E, beginning 150 years of control. During this era woodblock printing and gunpowder were invented. China became even bigger due to the borders of the Tang dynasty expanding far into Korea and Central Asia

Empress Wu

690

Empress Wu was the only female emperor in China's history and ruled the Tang Dynasty from 655–690.During her reign, the empire became relatively stable, and prosperous. She lowered taxes on the peasants, and the common people prospered and instituted agricultural reforms to make the empire more productive. Empress wu. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/image/4558/empress-wu-zetian/ (Originally photographed 2016, February 22)

Poet Wang Wei is born

701

Wang Wei, a very famous poet of Chinese history is born. Wang Wei's art through poetry and painting contributes to the flourishing of Tang literature during this period. He combined the humanist ideals of a Chinese scholar while serving various bureaucratic positions in the Tang administration. Wang Wei. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://rickpdx.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/wang-wei/ (Originally photographed 2008, September 23)

Emperor Xuanzong comes to rule

712

Emperor Xuanzong was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty from 712 to 756, which was the longest of the Tang Dynasty. He is known for taking Tang China to its most prosperous period of culture and power. However, he is also blamed for severely weakening the Tang Dynasty with the An-shi Rebellion. Zhuwq. (n.d.). Emperor Xuanzong. Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/image/4559/emperor-xuanzong/ (Originally photographed 2016, February 22)

Emperor Wuzong's attempts to eliminate Buddhism

845

Emperor Wuzong attempts to eliminate Buddhism in China between 843 and 845. He does this by shutting down thousands of temples to take control of their wealth. Buddhism never recovers from this persecution and begins a steady decline in China. The persecution ended with Wuzong’s death, however it was too late.

Huang Chao rebellion

875

Huang Chao leads a rebellion against the Tang beginning in 875, and captures the capital at Chang'an in 881. Many who took part were impoverished farmers burdened from taxation. Although Chao was ultimately defeated in 883, his rebellion severely weakens the government's control over the country which resulted in the deterioration of the Tang empire Huang Chao's Rebellion. (2020, March 09). Retrieved November 30, 2020, from https://www.histhrill.com/huang-chaos-rebellion-874-884/

Tang Dynasty comes to an end

907

Zhu Wen ends the Tang dynasty in 907 after Huang Chao's rebellion weakens society. He forced the emperor to renounce his throne and proclaimed himself the first emperor of the Hou Liang dynasty.