Download Tang Dynasty Handout

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T’ang Dynasty
The next major dynasty of China didn’t begin until almost 400
years after the Han Dynasty broke apart. The T’ang Dynasty lasted
from 618 CE – 907 CE, almost 300 years. During this time, China
entered a period known as a “golden age” because of cultural and
political achievement. They increased the size of the empire by
adding the lands of Korea and Tibet. Trade continued to increase,
bringing more wealth to China.
Under the T’ang Dynasty, there was much focus on
art. Painters and sculptors developed new forms of
styles and expressions. Skilled craftspeople
developed intricate pottery and artwork. Scholars
began to write encyclopedias and history books.
Poetry flourished as well. Li Po is considered to be
one of China’s greatest poets and wrote many of his
works in the 700’s. Books were able to be
distributed to a large number of people due to
China’s printing techniques. As a result, literature
became widely available and the population of
China became smarter and more advanced.
Perhaps the most influential historical figure from the T’ang Dynasty
was the Empress Wu Chao, the wife of Emperor Kao-Tsung. When
the emperor became ill and unable to rule, he asked his wife to step
in and lead the empire. She became the first female ruler of China in
690 CE when Emperor Kao-Tsung’s illness caused his death. As a
ruler, Wu Chao expanded China’s economy by encouraging silk and
agricultural production. She also encouraged artists and scholars to
continue China’s cultural revolution. Wu Chao is also known as
being an advocate for Buddhism, encouraging people throughout
China to adopt the religion. Although the T’ang Dynasty became
more prosperous under Wu Chao, many government officials
disapproved of her. In 705 CE, she was forced to give up the throne
to her son. She died shortly after at the age of 81.
In 907 CE, the T’ang Dynasty came to an end. The emperors lost power to governors of the different
provinces of China. Soon after, the provinces declared themselves to be independent states and broke
away from China. China became weak and disunited. Eventually, smaller dynasties conquered parts of
China and the Mongols took control of the majority of China in the 1200s.
1) What is a “golden age”? Why do historians refer to the T’ang Dynasty as a “golden age”?
2) How did China’s printing techniques help the population become smarter and more advanced?
3) Describe Wu Chao’s reign as Empress of the T’ang Dynasty.
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T’ang Dynasty
Use the following space to create a comic strip that tells the story of the T’ang Dynasty and
what they are best known for. Write a caption under each frame to describe the illustration.