1. The Tang and Song Dynasties
Chinese Empires
The Tang and Song Dynasties

2. The Han Dynasty Had ruled China from 206 BC-220 AD
Dynasty collapsed and military leaders divided China into rival kingdoms

3. The Sui Dynasty Built the Grand Canal
Connected northern and southern China
Increased trade
Allowed food from farms in the south to be sent to cities in the north
Forced millions of peasants to work on canal
Many workers died
Forced labor on public works projects angered peasants

5. The Tang Dynasty Tang ruled China from 618-907 AD
Started by Tang Taizong in 618
Expansion and contact with Japan led to increased foreign trade and economic prosperity

6. Tang Government Established a strong central government
Government workers were required to pass civil service exams
Schools were built to prepare civil service workers
Ideals of Confucianism reflected in government

7. The Song Dynasty
China entered into a period of disorder after the collapse of the Tang
Lasted for 53 years
“The Period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms”
The Song Dynasty reunited China in 960 AD.
Ruled for 3OO years

8. Tang and Song Social Order
Established a strict social order
Gentry
Wealthy landowners
Some become civil servants
Peasants
farmers
Merchants

11. Status of Women Under the Tang and Song
Women were considered inferior to men
Foot binding
Goal was to create small feet (“lotus”) by restricting the growth of the foot
3-4 inches long
Done between ages 3 -11

14. Tang and Song Achievements
Expanded Trade
Traded with India, Persia, and the Middle East along the silk road
Became expert shipbuilders and became a naval power
The Chinese Junk

15. Tang and Song Achievements
Made improvements in farming which increased food productive
Fast ripening rice could be harvested 2-3 times a year
New methods of farming
Lead to population increases and increased trade

17. Tang and Song Golden Age
China entered a golden age during both the Tang and Song dynasties

18. Tang and Song Golden Age
Technological Innovations
Moveable type and block printing
Paper Money
Porcelain
Gunpowder
Magnetic Compass

19. Tang and Song Golden Age
Art
Landscape painting
use of calligraphy
Artistic handwriting

20. Tang and Song Golden Age
Architecture
Pagodas