THE TANG DYNASTY
China’s Golden Age
618-907 CE
GOVERNMENT

Founded by Li Yuan, who had been a chancellor
during the Sui Dynasty (he would argue they lost the
Mandate of…?)

After his death, was taken over by his son, Taizong.
Upon Taizong’s death, was taken over by Gaozong.
How does this fit with our definition of a dynasty?

Tang Dynasty revived the glory days of the Han
Dynasty, and made it even better

Claimed the areas of Tibet, Vietnam, and Korea as
tributary states (they were required to send the Tang
a gift every year to recognize their power)

Government gave land to ordinary people and
required them to pay taxes on this land

Created public works projects (ex. Roads, canals). Is
this similar to other dynasties? Why or why not?
Gaozong
GOVERNMENT
EMPRESS WU ZETIAN

Was married to Emperor Gaozong. When he
became emperor, she became empress

After Gaozong died, their sons ruled. But in
690 she removed her family members from
office and began to rule on her own

Ruled the Tang Dynasty on her own from 690705 (the year she died)

Why do you think it was uncommon for
females to be rulers? Why may she look
‘masculine’ in her photo?
SOCIAL LIFE: EDUCATION

How do you think school was different in China than it is here?

Schools were standardized, so all students learned the same
information

Schools not provided by the government, so parents would
hire tutors or communities might pay for schools and teachers

Education was expensive, so it was more likely for those in the
upper class to become educated. Is this the same as in
Canada?

Students studied the Four Books and the Five Classics
(Confucian virtues)

Students underwent rigorous examinations related to the
classics and government. Why do you think they had exams?

They also needed to have good calligraphy (lettering)
SOCIAL LIFE: BEING COSMOPOLITAN

What does ‘cosmopolitan’ mean?

A lot of tourism during the Tang Dynasty to large cities (Chang’an,
which is present-day Xi’an)

Chang’an divided into 108 wards, each enclosed by walls. Some for
Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Why would these people be there?

Trade brought many valuable items to China: horses, jewels,
instruments, fabrics. The number of merchants in China grew

Artwork: pottery, paintings, jade carving. More common to see
scenes from every day life, and influence by other cultures

Using chairs and stools to sit instead of sitting on the floor: why?

New styles of poetry that followed strict rules related to syllables and
rhythm

Role of women: some women went to school, became writers and
artists, or helped to run family businesses
PHILOSOPHIES

Confucianism was very popular during the Tang
Dynasty

Students studied the Four Books and the Five Classics

Merchants were not appreciated during this dynasty
because they were believed to clash with
Confucianism (merchants would keep profits for
themselves, while Confucian farmers and artisans
would produce goods for all of society)

Buddhism and Daoist themes present in artwork.
What were some characteristics of these
philosophies?

What does the presence of many philosophies tell us
about Tang society? Is it complex or basic?
Confucius
INVENTIONS

Gunpowder (850): Used in fireworks and
weapons

Smallpox vaccine (900s): To counter the
disease

Block printing (700s): To decorate books and
art

Why would these inventions have been
useful at the time?

How would they have spread to other parts
of the world?

Would they be the same in other parts of
the world, or different?

Do we still use these inventions in our
society? Why or why not?
THE END OF A DYNASTY

China had been ruled by Emperor Xuanzong “Brilliant Emperor”

Fell in love with a woman named Yan Guifei

Yan Guifei loved an official named An Lushan

An Lushan rebelled against Xuanzong for not receiving a government
post

Xuanzong’s troops retreated. They had Yan Guifei killed

Xuanzong gave the empire to his son

Many rebellions happened after that, and the dynasty ended in 907