Tang dynasty

TangGaozu

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Da Tang in seal charcaters on the epitaph of Shangguan Wan'er (lid)

武曌像

Mogao Cave 217

Leshan Buddha Statue View

Nanchan Temple 1

Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China that lasted from 618 to 907 AD, succeeding the Sui Dynasty and preceding the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It is considered a high point in Chinese civilization, and a golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Its capital at Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an) was the most populous city in the world at the time.

History

The Tang Dynasty was founded by Li Yuan, who became Emperor Gaozu after the fall of the Sui Dynasty. The early Tang period was a time of consolidation and expansion, characterized by military conquests and the establishment of a complex administrative system. The reign of Emperor Taizong saw the consolidation of power and the expansion of the empire into Central Asia. The An Lushan Rebellion in the mid-8th century was a devastating conflict that weakened the dynasty, leading to a period of recovery under Emperor Xuanzong.

Culture

The Tang Dynasty is noted for its cultural achievements. Literature, poetry, painting, and sculpture flourished, with figures such as Li Bai and Du Fu making significant contributions to Chinese literature. The period also saw the development of the Imperial examination system, which aimed to select government officials from among the educated classes based on merit rather than birth.

Economy

The Tang economy was one of the most prosperous and sophisticated in the world at the time. The dynasty saw significant developments in agriculture, trade, and technology. The Grand Canal was expanded, facilitating the transport of grain, goods, and culture throughout the empire. Chang'an became a hub for international trade, attracting merchants from across Asia.

Religion

Buddhism reached its zenith in China during the Tang Dynasty, with the support of the imperial court. The translation of Buddhist texts into Chinese and the establishment of temples and monasteries contributed to the spread of Buddhism throughout China. However, the late Tang period saw the Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution, which led to a decline in Buddhist influence.

Decline and Fall

The Tang Dynasty began to decline in the late 8th century due to a combination of internal strife, corruption, and military defeats. The An Lushan Rebellion severely weakened the central government, and the dynasty never fully recovered. In the early 10th century, the dynasty fragmented into a series of short-lived states, marking the end of the Tang Dynasty and the beginning of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

Legacy

The Tang Dynasty left a lasting legacy on Chinese culture, politics, and society. Its influence can be seen in the arts, literature, and the continued use of the Imperial examination system. The Tang period is often romanticized in Chinese literature and is considered a model of effective governance and cosmopolitan culture.