Golden Ages of China Tang & Song Dynasties
Chapter 12: Tang & Song Dynasties Reunification and Renaissance 220 CE.—Han dynasty ends 220-589—Era of Division 589-618—Sui dynasty 618-907—Tang dynasty 960-1279—Song dynasty 1279-1368—Mongol (Yuan) dynasty
Sui
Rebuilding the Imperial Edifice 6th century—Sui dynasty comes to power under the rule of Wendi Rules with “Legalism” brutal rule. Reunites China after the fall of the Han Dynasty Wins widespread support by Lowering taxes Establishing granaries (wards off famine)
Grand Canal One of the world's largest waterworks before modern times Purpose: bring abundant food supplies of the south to the north Linked the Yangtze and the Huang-Hi The canal integrated the economies of the south and north
Sui Yangdi expands on his father’s foundations Adopts Confuciusism rather then legalism Milder legal code Restoration of exam system Promotion of scholar-gentry Social order based on strict diarchy
Downfall Loss of Mandate of Heaven Excess, waste and wars lead to collapse Grand Canal “Tour” Leads to Peasant Revolt Yangdi assassinated in 618 by his own ministers
Two Great Dynasties in China During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, China becomes the richest, powerful, and most advanced country in the world.
Significance: Chinese inventions from this period, such as printing, gunpowder, and the compass, changed history. Key Point: Tang and Song China experienced an era of prosperity and technological innovation.
The Tang Dynasty World View: The Song Dynasty World View: west along the Silk Road Silk Road – trading network with the west. looks east towards the sea
Trade/Foreign Contacts Silk Road west; Tang Dynasty
Trade/Foreign Contacts Silk Road west; Tang Dynasty Junks: ocean ships east, Song Dynasty Korea Japan India Persian Gulf east Africa
Agriculture imported fast-ripening rice from Vietnam
Agriculture imported fast-ripening rice from Vietnam allowed two crops each season instead of one
Agriculture imported fast-ripening rice from Vietnam allowed two crops each season instead of one fueled population increase
Science and Technology mathematics flourished
Science and Technology mathematics flourished adopted the use of algebra and the concept of zero
Science and Technology mathematics flourished adopted the use of algebra and the concept of zero invented movable type
Science and Technology mathematics flourished adopted the use of algebra and the concept of zero invented movable type developed gunpowder
Inventions of Tang and Song China
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement great poetry Li Bo and Du Fu
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement great poetry Li Bo and Du Fu Three-color ware was one of the greatest contributions of the Tang Dynasty
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement great poetry Li Bo and Du Fu Three-color ware was one of the greatest contributions of the Tang Dynasty. Many figurines, predominantly horses and camels, were produced.
Most of these pieces have been found in the more affluent tombs of the Tang period
The Tang and Song Dynasties Compared Tang Only Song Only Both Ruled smaller empire, developed into great sea power, created paper money and movable type Expanded the empire, had a female ruler, adopted Buddhism Prospered through trade, improved agriculture, created great art and literature