Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 CE, is recognized as one of the most significant and prosperous periods in Chinese history. Established by Li Yuan, who became Emperor Gaozu, the dynasty is particularly noted for its cultural, political, and economic achievements. His son, Emperor Taizong, played a crucial role in expanding China's territories, extending influence into Mongolia and along the Silk Road into Central Asia. The peak of Tang prosperity was reached under Emperor Xuanzong, whose reign lasted from 712 to 756 CE.
Despite its initial success, the Tang Dynasty faced challenges that led to its decline. The pivotal Battle of Talas River in 751 CE, where Chinese forces were defeated by the Muslim Abbasid army, marked a significant loss for China in Central Asia. This defeat coincided with the onset of a major rebellion in 755 CE led by An Lushan, a provincial commander. Although the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it weakened the dynasty significantly, leading to a gradual loss of power and influence. The legacy of the Tang Dynasty continues to be a subject of interest, reflecting its impact on Chinese culture and governance.
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Tang Dynasty
Related civilizations: Sui Dynasty, ՙAbbāsid Dynasty, Sung Dynasty.
Also known as: T’ang Dynasty (Wade-Giles).
Date: 618-907 c.e.
Locale: China
Tang Dynasty
In 618 c.e., Li Yuan, king of the Chinese province of Tang, established himself as Gaozu, or emperor of China (r. 618-626 c.e.). His son Li Shimin, who helped him to the throne, succeeded him as Taizong (r. 626-649 c.e.) and was most responsible for the brilliance of the Tang Dynasty. He extended Chinese power north into Mongolia and west along the Silk Road into Afghanistan in Central Asia. The power and prosperity of the Tang reached its zenith under Xuanzong (r. 712-756 c.e.). Unfortunately, it was also near the end of his reign that the long decline of the Tang Dynasty began. In 751 c.e., the Chinese were defeated at the Battle of Talas River by a Muslim ՙAbbāsid army. This ended China’s presence in Central Asia. Talas also sparked a rebellion against the Tang in 755 c.e. led by An Lushan, a provincial commander. This rebellion was ultimately crushed, but the Tang Dynasty never regained its former glory and power.
Bibliography
Bingham, W. The Founding of the Tang Dynasty. New York: Octagon, 1970.
Pulleyblank, Edwin G. Essays on Tang and Pre-Tang History. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2001.
Twitchett, Denis, and John K. Fairbank, eds. Sui and T’ang China. Vol. 3 in The Cambridge History of China. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1977.