Tang Dynasty618-907

BeginningsGeneral Li Shimin founded

Tang dynastyNamed Taizong – “Great

Ancestor”

GovernmentChang’an

1 Million people, including foreigners who were traders and merchants

30 square miles

GovernmentCivil service exams

Supported by government schools

Forbidden to serve in native places “ rule of avoidance”

Limited to terms of 3 yearsMoved to different districtsReduced power of great families

GovernmentMilitary based on MilitiaRevenue system – based on land tax

Government monopoly on Salt, tea, and liquor

Rebuilt road and canal network with post stations

CultureGolden Age of Art and Literature

ArtGlazes on PotteryFocused on Human FigureMonochromatic

Dish in the Shape of a Leaf

Phoenix-headed ewer

Floral Medallions

Seated Buddha

Standing Court Lady

TechnologyCast ironCrossbowGunpowder,Compass Porcelain

Coal as fuelWaterwheelsPaper Currency

WheelbarrowWallpaper

ExpansionOverseas trade expanded with

absorption of Fujian and absorption of southeast coast

Reincorporated northern Vietnam, Xinjiang, and southern Manchuria

Incorporated Korea as a tributary state

CollapseRevenue base began to erodeImperial land grants to nobles

who avoided taxesPopulation grew more quickly

than land and money could provide

Began outlawing contact with other ethnicities

CollapseMilitary supported by mercenariesEunuchs’ power increasingRebellions

Country divided by generalsAttacked by groups in the north, taking control of including southern Manchuria

Ended in chaos and civil war

Song Dynasty

966-1279

BeginningsFollows Five

Dynasty Period and later Zhou Period

General Guo Wei rival of Later Zhou conquered middle Yangzi region of Chu

GovernmentIssued paper currency credited

growth of commerceCivil Service recruited for higher posts

from educated who passed three levels of imperial examinations

Personal Property assessed for Taxation

Trained Militia and supplied with ArmsStrengthen Loyalty and Quality of

Army

GovernmentGovernment SchoolsOpen to anyone of abilityAllowed others a chance at office

holdingPaid Mongols and others in silk

and other goods as a way to pacify would be attackers

CulturePaintings focusing on LandscapesHarmony between humans and

naturePatronized by Rich Urban MerchantsPopularization of Vernacular

Language

Summer Mountains

Chinese Song dynasty Henan jar

Glazed Clay Jar

TechnologyImproved

Farming Techniques – Irrigation, fertilization, metal tools and proto-machines

Ships with water-tight compartments

WaterwheelsIncline PlanesCanal LocksGunpowderMortars

Depletion of EmpireShrank in size,

gave up land including Taipei,

Abandoned TibetManchuria in Khitan

controlVietnam and Korea

more independent

Collapse of Northern SongAlliance with Jurchen against

KhitanUnimpressed with Song’s military

abilitiesCaptured capital of Kaifeng 1126Treaty with Jurchen fixed border

at Huai RiverPay annual tribute

Collapse of Southern SongAttacks by Jurchen and Mongols

Attacks by Jurchen take over Northern China

Song establish Southern Song Dynasty

Including Chinghis and Kubilai Khan

Mongols eventually take over Song China and establish Yuan Dyansty