Song Dynasty

Song Dynasty 宋朝
960–1279
Territory of the Song Dynasty at its greatest extent Territory of the Song Dynasty at its greatest extent
Capital	Bianjing (960–1127), Lin'an (1127–1279)
Common languages	Middle Chinese
Religion	Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese folk religion
Government	Monarchy
• 960–976	Emperor Taizu of Song
• 1278–1279	Emperor Bing of Song
History
• Established	960
• Disestablished	1279
Currency	Jiaozi, copper cash
Preceded by Succeeded by Later Zhou Yuan dynasty 20px

The Song Dynasty (Chinese: 宋朝; pinyin: Sòng cháo; 960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and preceded the Yuan Dynasty. It was divided into two distinct periods: the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279).

History

The Song Dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu, who was a military general in the latter years of the Later Zhou, one of the Five Dynasties. After consolidating power and unifying much of China, Taizu declared himself emperor in 960. The early Song period was marked by significant cultural and technological advancements, including the development of the civil service examination system and the widespread use of gunpowder.

The Northern Song was ended by the invasion of the Jurchen people, who established the Jin Dynasty in the north. The Song court fled southward, establishing the Southern Song capital at Lin'an (modern-day Hangzhou). Despite losing control of northern China, the Southern Song continued to thrive culturally and economically until the Mongol conquest.

Government and Politics

The Song Dynasty is noted for its highly structured governmental system. The dynasty refined the imperial examination system, which helped to staff the bureaucracy primarily with scholar-officials, known as the literati. This period saw a significant shift towards a more meritocratic government, reducing the power of hereditary aristocracy.

Culture

The Song Dynasty is often revered as a high point in Chinese civilization, with advancements in literature, art, and philosophy. The period saw the flourishing of notable philosophers such as Zhu Xi and Wang Yangming, who were instrumental in the development of Neo-Confucianism.

In the arts, the Song Dynasty was renowned for its landscape paintings, with artists such as Fan Kuan and Xu Daoning making significant contributions. The period also witnessed innovations in ceramics and the widespread production of porcelain, which became highly prized both in domestic markets and for export.

Economy

The Song economy was one of the most prosperous and advanced in the world during the era, characterized by rapid urbanization, vibrant trade, and the introduction of paper money. The dynasty's economic strength was bolstered by significant technological innovations, including the widespread use of the waterwheel and advances in shipbuilding, which facilitated both domestic and international trade.

Military

The military of the Song Dynasty was marked by its defensive nature, particularly during the Southern Song, which faced constant threats from northern powers. The Song military made early use of gunpowder weapons, including fire arrows and explosives, setting the stage for future developments in military technology.

Legacy

The Song Dynasty's influence on Chinese history is profound, shaping subsequent cultural and social developments. Its emphasis on government by merit, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements set standards that were emulated by later dynasties.