The Tang Dynasty was a powerful period in Chinese history, lasting from 618 AD to 907 AD. It was known for its lack of political corruption, flourishing economy, culture, and military, and its ability to spread Chinese culture while incorporating the cultures of surrounding civilizations. The arts also flourished during this period. The dynasty was briefly interrupted by the Second Zhou Dynasty, led by Empress Wu Zetian, and later weakened by an uprising by An Lushan. The Tang Dynasty ended in 907 and was followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
The Tang Dynasty was in existence from 618 AD to 907 AD in China and was founded by Li Yuan’s rebel army. In 617, Li Yuan captured the Sui dynasty capital Chang’an and proclaimed Yang You as emperor of the new regime. Li Yuan became prime minister and Tang Wang was declared king of Tang. When Emperor Yang was killed, Li Yuan became emperor in 618 and changed the name of the new kingdom to Tang.
Unlike many dynasties in China, the Tang were free from political corruption in the court. The economy, culture and military flourished and the state was powerful. China’s borders were opened to foreign entities and social development reached new heights. The construction of the Grand Canal during the Sui Dynasty helped the Tang rulers expand their trade with domestic markets and establish settlements along the canal route. In fact, trade during the Tang era reached the tip of Southeast Asia.
The capital of Chang’an, today’s Xi’an, was one of the most modern and densely populated cities of its time. Many of its aristocracy were foreigners, and many Central Asian merchants lived there and contributed to its stability and prosperity. One of the Tang’s many achievements was its ability to spread Chinese culture, while also incorporating the cultures of surrounding civilizations. During the Tang period, Buddhism reached Japan and Korea, but Confucianism prevailed as the state doctrine.
The arts flourished during this period and many famous artists practiced their craft during this era. The Tang Dynasty is known for its poets, including Du Fu, Li Bai, Meng Haoran and Bai Juyi. Artists also flourished during this period and painters such as Han Gan, Wu Daozi and Shan Ziqian added their talents during this period.
This dynasty was put on hold for several years when the Second Zhou Dynasty took power from 690 AD to 705 AD under Empress Wu Zetian, the only female Chinese empress in Chinese history who reigned alone. However, the rebels seized the throne again, and Emperor Ruizong continued the reign of the Tang Dynasty.
A more damaging uprising by An Lushan caused a weakening of the central government, which consequently lost its power after many years of decline. The Tang dynasty ended in 907 and was followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
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