• 3/2 Focus:–During the Tang and Song Dynasties,

farming and trade flourished– China made great advances in art,

literature, architecture, and technology under the rule of the Tang and Song

• Do Now:–What Chinese philosophy was

reflected in the Tang government?

Chinese Empires

The Tang and Song Dynasties

The Han Dynasty

• Had ruled China from 206 BC-220 AD

• Dynasty collapsed and military leaders divided China into rival kingdoms

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

•

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

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

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

Tang and Song Social Order

• Established a strict social order – Gentry • Wealthy

landowners• Some become

civil servants– Peasants • farmers

–Merchants

•

•

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

• •

•

• 3/3 Focus: –During the Tang and Song Dynasties,

China was unified, government was efficient, and society was stable

• Do Now: –What Chinese philosophy was

reflected in the Tang government?

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

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

•

Tang and Song Golden Age

• China entered a golden age during both the Tang and Song dynasties

Tang and Song Golden Age

• Technological Innovations – Moveable type

and block printing

– Paper Money– Porcelain – Gunpowder – Magnetic

Compass

• Art – Landscape

painting– use of

calligraphy• Artistic

handwriting

Tang and Song Golden Age

• Architecture – Pagodas

Tang and Song Golden Age

•

Closure• What was the impact of improved

farming techniques on China? • Identify two advances that were

made during the Tang and Song golden age