Download Dynasty Information

Sui Dynasty
Started from 581 and ended in
618, the Sui Dynasty lasted for
only 38 years and had only three
emperors.
With
a
tyrannical
second emperor - Emperor Yang,
this dynasty was often compared
to the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206
BC). However, the whole nation
was
reunified
and
certain
economic and political advances
were achieved in the period.
Establishment
At the end of the Northern and
Southern Dynasties (386 - 589),
the whole nation had undergone a
long period of division. People who
had endured sufferings of war
were longing for the unification but
neither the Northern Dynasties
Buddha statues in Maiji
Mountain, carved in the Sui Dynasty
nor
Southern
Dynasties
realized
this
goal.
In Northern Zhou (557 - 581), Yang Jian, who was born to the noble class and was the
Chengxiang (Prime Minister) of the last emperor, monopolized the political and military
power and suppressed the separatist forces as well as some other royal forces. In 581,
Yang Jian replaced Northern Zhou with Sui and proclaimed himself Emperor Wen. Thus
Sui was founded, with Chang'an (currently Xian) the capital and Luoyang the auxiliary
capital. In 589, the Sui Court defeated the last of the Southern Dynasties, Chen, and
unified
the
whole
nation.
Economical and Political
Prosperity
Sui Coins inscribed with characters
As a result of the reunification, the
society
became
stable
and
peaceful
which
encouraged
economical
and
"Wu Zhu",
political
development.
At the beginning, the agricultural acreage increased greatly which promoted the crop
yield. The skills industry made some new advances with the shipbuilding technology
reaching a new high level. Meanwhile, the commerce in Luoyang was fairly prosperous
and in order to develop the national economy, a series of policies, such as Juntian
(equal division of fields) System and Zutiao (tax moderation) System, were carried out.
This equally distributed the farmland and moderated the tax rates while increasing the
fiscal
revenue.
In order to enhance the communication between southern and northern areas, Emperor
Yang ordered his people to dredge a grand canal running from north and south.
Centering on Luoyang, the Grand Canal was more than 2.5 miles long and functioned
as the main artery in the Nation's transportation. The Grand Canal played an important
role in economical and cultural exchange between southern and northern areas.
There were also many changes in
political life. A new political system
- Three Departments and Six
Ministries was established - the
first in Chinese history. Under this
system, the royal power was
enhanced and the work division in
the court became detailed. Since
this
period,
the method
of
selecting talent was thoroughly
overhauled. The traditional Jiupin
Zhongzheng
(nine
ranks
of
officials) Hierarchical System was
replaced
by
the
Imperial
Examination
System,
which
connected studying, the taking of
examinations and attaining an
official position. It had a profound
influence on the selection of talent
in
Chinese
history.
Relics of Great Wall of Sui Dynasty,
Yanchi County, Ningxia
Decline and Ruin
The decline of the Sui Dynasty started from the second monarch, Emperor Yang, who
was a typical tyrant. His reputation was that of a son who lacked respect for his
parents,
committed
patricide
and
usurped
the
throne.
Emperor Yang led a luxurious and corrupt life. Upon gaining the throne, he employed
two million laborers to build the second capital city of Luoyang and was even reputed to
have cruised along the river in a large dragon ship, with thousands of ships following in
attendance.
Craving greatness and success,
Emperor Yang also waged war
against Gaoli (currently Korea).
Both burdensome military service
and heavy corvee labor forced
peasants to leave their farmland.
Later, famine was common and
caused by the resulting desolation
leaving all the countryside in
extreme
misery.
In 611, peasants from Mt.
Changbaishan in Shandong began
a rebellion. Before long, rebels
from all over the country formed
into several powerful groups.
Among them, the main military
force was called the Wagang Army
which was led by Zhai Rang and Li
Mi. The force captured the granary
of
the
Sui
Court
and
Pottery of Chicken,
Sui burial objects
issued
the
food
to
the
peasants.
As a result, the Sui regime became rather unstable and in 618, when Emperor Yang
was
strangled
by
one
of
his
subordinates,
it
completely
collapsed.
Emperors
Notes
Reign Time
(years)
Order
Name
1
Sui Wendi
(Yang
Jian)
2
Sui Yangdi
(Yang
The second son of Sui Wendi; known as a tyrant who led the dynasty to decline
Guang)
604 - 617
3
Sui Gongdi
The last emperor of Sui Dynasty who yielded the throne to Li Yuan (later Emperor Gaozu of
(Yang
the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907)
You)
617 - 618
He was father-in-law of the last emperor of Northern Zhou; After the emperor died, he seized
581 - 604
the throne for himself and established the Sui Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
Viewing the Chinese history record, you will find the
Tang Dynasty was the most glistening historic
period in China's history. Founded in 618 and
ending in 907, the state, under the ruling of the
Tang Emperors, became the most powerful and
prosperous country in the world. Particularly, in this
glorious period, the economy, politics, culture and
military strength reached an unparalleled advanced
level.
Establishment
At the end of Sui Dynasty (581 - 618), the whole
country fell into chaos due to the tyranny of
Emperor Yang; rebellions roused by peasants were
everywhere. Resenting Emperor Yang's ruling, the
chief officer of Taiyuan - Li Yuan, who was also
known as Tangguo Gong (a vassal in Sui Court)
raised an army in Taiyuan from May 617. In
November of the same year, Li Yuan's army
captured the capital city Chang'an (currently Xian)
Tang Tri-colored Glazed
and put a new monarch, Yang You, on the throne as
Pottery
Emperor Gong. Meanwhile, Li Yuan proclaimed
himself Da Chengxiang (prime minister) and Tang
Wang (King of Tang). In 618 after Emperor Yang was killed by his chancellor, Yuwen
Huaji, Li Yuan seized the chance to proclaim himself emperor and changed the state
title
into
Tang,
still
with
Chang'an
as
the
capital
city.
Glorious
Period
The first glorious period was from 627 to 649 when the Tang Dynasty was just set up
and its national strength was recovering from the previous weak condition.
Under Emperor Taizong Li Shimin's wise governing, the national strength and social
development reached an unparalleled prosperity - economy and commerce flourished,
the social order was stable, corruption never existed in the court and the national
boundaries were even open to foreign countries.
Mural of a Banquet, Tang Dynasty
Agate Cup with Animal Head, Tang Dynasty
After Li Shimin died, the throne passed to his ninth son Li Zhi who was later crowned as
Emperor Gaozong and married Li Shimin's imperial concubine Wu Meiniang. Wu
Meiniang was officially named Wu Zetian and afterwards became the empress. Actually
it was Wu Zetian who had the real power during Emperor Gaozong's reign since the
emperor suffered from bad health. After Li Zhi died, Wu successively enthroned and
dethroned her two sons - Li Xian and Li Dan. In 690, disregarding the objections and
criticisms of all chancellors, Wu Zetian proclaimed herself Emperor Shengshen and
established a new dynasty - Zhou, which lasted for 15 years. During her reign, the
state economy continued to develop rapidly.
In 705, a coup broke out which brought one of the former emperors, Li Xian, to the
throne as Emperor Zhongzong. However, Emperor Zhongzong's ruling was manipulated
by his wife, Empress Wei. In 710, plotting to be the second woman emperor, Empress
Wei along with Princess Anle poisoned Zhongzong. At that time, Li Longji (son of Li
Dan) launched a coup with the assistance of his parental aunt Princess Taiping, killing
Empress Wei and Princess Anle. After that, Li Dan was crowned as Emperor Ruizong.
The second glorious period was during Emperor Xuanzong's reign. In 712, Emperor
Ruizong abdicated and Li Longji was enthroned as Emperor Xuanzong. Under his ruling,
the national economy, politics and culture all developed rapidly and the social
development entered a new heyday. In that period, Chang'an City was the largest and
the most prosperous metropolis in the world. Since the title of Xuanzong's reign was
Kaiyuan, that period was called the Heyday of Kaiyuan, in which the dynasty reached
its summit of prosperity.
Bronze Mirror, Tang Dynasty
Decline
White Porcelain, Tang Dynasty
and
Ruin
In his old age, Emperor Xuanzong was complacent and indifferent to state affairs.
Hopelessly, he indulged himself in the beauty of his concubine Yang Yuhuan. Besides,
he also appointed some wicked chancellors who corrupted the political order.
Meanwhile, troops on the frontiers gradually gathered together and formed a powerful
military force. In 755, An Lushan aligned with Shi Siming and launched a rebellion,
called the An Shi Rebellion which lasted for eight years and heavily knocked the Tang
regime. From then on, the national strength was weakened daily by separatist forces in
local areas. Because of the incompetence of the emperors the dominance of the
eunuchs and power struggles between chancellors became increasingly intense. Hence
the Tang Dynasty declined from generation to generation. In 859, a large-scale peasant
uprising launched by Huang Chao again severely attacked the Tang regime. In 907, the
last Tang emperor, Emperor Ai was forced to abdicate by Chancellor Zhu Quanzhong,
who afterwards changed the state title into Liang, finally putting the ever powerful and
mighty dynasty to an end.
Song Dynasty
Starting in 960 and ending in 1279, the Song
Dynasty consisted of the Northern Song (960-1127)
and the Southern Song (1127-1279). With a
prosperous
economy
and
radiant
culture, this period was considered as another
period of 'golden age' after the glorious Tang
Dynasty
(618
907).
The Northern Song was founded by Zhao Kuangyin,
a military general in the Latter Zhou (951 - 960). In
960, Zhao Kuangyin launched a mutiny in Chenqiao
county (in current Henan Province).It was not long
before the last king of the Latter Zhou was forced to
abdicate. Thus a new dynasty - Song was
established in Kaifeng. In that period, most part of
China's territory was unified. However, in late
Northern Song, the political corruption was serious
and the regime began to decline. In 1127, it was
destroyed by the Jin (1115 - 1234).
The Southern Song was set up by Zhao Gou, son of
Wax statue of Lord Bao,
the last emperor of Northern Song. After Jin
an upright official in the
defeated the Northern Song, many imperial
Northern Song Dynasty
clansmen were captured by Jin's army. Fortunately,
Zhao Gou had a luck escape. In 1127, he fled to
Nanjing Yingtianfu (in current Shangqiu of Henan Province) and established the
Southern Song Dynasty there. Later, the capital city was moved to Lin'an
(currently Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province).The Southern Song's regime was
subject to the Jin. Many patriotic generals were killed in the late period. In 1279, the
army of the Yuan Dynasty captured Lin'an, putting the Southern Song to an end.
Generally, the Song Dynasty was prosperous in many respects of the society. In
agriculture, the productive technology was improved which promoted the output of
food; in handicraft industry, the division of labor became more detailed which made
the handicrafts technology reach an advanced level; additionally, the development of
the commodity economy exceeded the previous level. Particularly, the earliest paper
currency
appeared
at
that
period.
As for the development of science and culture, tremendous achievements were made
during this period. Two of China's four great inventions - typography and compass were
both invented and the application of gunpowder also developed rapidly. With regard to
literature, a large number of outstanding scholars and poets, such as Zhuxi, Ouyang
Xiu, Su Shi, Sima Guang and Shen Kuo, emerged and built up the splendid cultural
atmosphere of the Song Dynasty.
Ruins of Song Great Wall
in Kelan County, Shanxi
Xiangguo Temple,
a Buddhist Temple in Kaifeng
Emperors
Order
Name
Notes
Reign
Time
(years)
Northern Song (960 - 1127)
1
Song Taizu Formerly the leading general of the Latter Zhou (951 - 960); He
(Zhao
usurped the throne and founded the Song Dynasty by launching a
Kuangyin) coup.
960 976
2
Song
Taizong
(Zhao
Guangyi)
The younger brother of Zhao Kuangyin; during his reign, the whole
China was unified by his defeating the Northern Han (951 - 979).
976 997
3
Song
Zhenzong
(Zhao
Heng)
Son of Emperor Taizong; In his reign, the military power of Song
was strengthened but he signed the first humiliating treaty with the
997 Liao (916 - 1125). Especially, he founded the famous ceramic kiln in 1022
Jingdezhen.
4
Song
Renzong
(Zhao
Zhen)
Son of Emperor Zhenzong; His reign was the turning point of the
Song Dynasty from the prosperity to the disintegration.
5
Song
Son of one of the imperial clansmen and was adopted by Emperor
Yingzong Renzong; Actually, Emperor Yingzong's father was the first cousin
(Zhao Shu) of Emperor Renzong.
1063
1067
6
Song
Shenzong
(Zhao
Xu1)
1067
1085
During his reign, he appointed Wang Anshi as Chancellor who
presented a series of reform policy. He tried to expel Xixia (a
contemporary kingdom of the Northern Song) troops out of the
Song's territory but it was in vain.
1022
1063
7
Song
Zhezong
(Zhao
Xu3)
Son of Emperor Zhenzong; In his reign, a conventional chancellor
named Sima Guang was appointed, who once halted the reform
policy put forth by Wang Anshi.
1085
1100
8
Song
Huizong
(Zhao Ji)
The 11th son of Emperor Shenzong; one of the few monarchs who
favored Taoism and against Buddhism; As an emperor, he was more
well-known as a painter, poet, calligrapher and musician.
1100
1125
9
Song
Qinzong
(Zhao
Huan)
The eldest son of Emperor Huizong; He ascended to the throne after
1126
his father abdicated. However, the Song court was defeated by the Jin
army in 1127 after which both Qinzong and Huizong were demoted
1127
to commoner.
Southern Song (1127 - 1279)
10
Song
Gaozong
(Zhao
Gou)
The ninth son of Emperor Huizong who escaped the capture of the
Jin court; He founded the weak Northern Song in Lin'an (currently
Hangzhou).
1127
1162
11
Song
Xiaozong
(Zhao
Shen)
He belonged to the seventh generation descendants of Emperor
Taizu.
1162
1189
12
Song
Guangzong The present Chongqing City was originally named by Guangzong,
(Zhao
meaning ‘double celebration'.
Dun)
1189
1194
13
Song
Ningzong
(Zhao
Kuo)
In his reign, the cultural and intellectual achievements were
abundant.
1194
1224
14
Song
Lizong
(Zhao
Yun)
He was not interested in state affairs. In his reign, the Jin (1115 1234) was destroyed in 1234.
1224
1264
15
Song
Duzong
(Zhao Qi)
1264
Nephew of Emperor Lizong; His reign was full of rebellions and war
affairs.
1274
16
Song
Gongdi
(Zhao
Xian)
Son of Emperor Duzong; His reign lasted for only two years then he
abdicated to his elder brother.
17
Song
Son of Emperor Duzong; His reign also lasted for two years till his
Duanzong
death.
(Zhao Shi)
1275
1276
1276
1278
18
Song
Weiwang
(Zhao
Bing)
Younger brother of Duanzong and died at eight; Chancellor Lu Xiu
carried him jumping into the sea after the Yuan army's invasion.
1278
1279
Yuan Dynasty
Since the late period of the 12th
century, an ethnic minority group
called Mongolian had grown up in the
northern areas of China. In 1204, one
of the leaders of the Mongolian tribes,
Tiemuzhen, unified all the internal
tribes. Two years later, Tiemuzhen was
honored as Genghis Khan (meaning the ruler of the world) and soon
established the Mongolian Empire.
Successively, it captured Xixia and the
Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234), after which
the combative Mongolian army sent its
military forces into Central Asia and
Europe.
Statue of Genghis Khan
In 1260, the grandson of Tiemuzhen,
Kublai Khan, ascended the throne. In 1271, he formally established the Yuan Dynasty
with Yuandadu (currently Beijing) as the capital. (The new dynasty was not territorially
the former Mongolian Empire as three parts had broken away before the new dynasty
was founded.)
In 1276, not long after the founding of the dynasty, Kublai Khan led his army, capturing
the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279) and thus he unified the entire
China.
At that time, Yuan's territory stretched
to Mongolia and Siberia in the north,
the South Sea in the south, Yunnan
Province and Tibet in the southwest,
eastern part of Xinjiang Province in the
northwest and the Stanovoi Range in
the northeast. The total area of the
country was over 4.6 million square
miles.
As a mighty state, the Yuan Dynasty
enjoyed economic development and
prospered in the fields of science and
literature. The economy was mainly
based on agriculture. The agricultural
Genghis Khan's Mausoleum,
techniques used were superior to those
Baotou, Inner Mongolia
of previous dynasties and food output
increased. Additionally, the use of
paper
currency
stimulated
the development of commerce. Meanwhile, trade with foreign countries was
greatly encouraged following an open policy adopted by the rulers. In the area of
science, astronomy, mathematics and medicine reached a very high level. In literature,
the Yuan
drama, along with the Tang poem and 'ci' poem of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), was
considered another heritage of Chinese literature.
During the glorious period, diplomatic
activities with foreign countries were
quite frequent with many foreign
envoys, merchants and travelers
traversing the sea to come to China.
Among them, the famous Italian
merchant Marco Polo was a successful
cultural transmitter who wrote the
historic travel notes, The Travels of
Marco Polo, informing the West about
China.
In the late period, the internal
contradictions of the ruling class,
serious
natural
disasters,
and
Nadam Fair on Gegentala
unreasonable grading system together
Grassland, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
aroused the indignation of the people.
In 1367, the rebel army led by Zhu
Yuanzhang captured the Yuan capital, ending the ever mighty Yuan regime.
Emperors
Order
Name
Notes
Period
of
Reign
1
Taizu
(Borjigin
Temujin)
Also known as Genghis Khan the great military leader;
Temujin founded the great Mongolian Empire, with his
territory stretching across the entire Eurasian Continent.
1206
1227
2
Ruizong
(Borjigin Tolui)
The fourth son of Temujin, he governed the empire for two
years after Temujin died
1227
1229
3
The third son of Temujin; during his reign, he formed an
Taizong
alliance with the Southern Song to fight against Jin (1115 (Borjigin Ögedei)
1234).
1229
1241
4
Empress Zhaoci
(Töregene
Khâtûn)
5
Dingzong
The eldest son of Taizong
(Borjigin Güyük)
6
Empress Qinshu
(Oghul
Ghaymish)
1248
Empress of Dingzong; she ruled for three years after the death
of Dingzong .
1251
7
Xianzong
(Borjigin
Möngke)
During his reign, the Yuan army began to fight against the
Southern Song (1127 - 1279). In 1259, he died while on
march.
After the death of Taizong, a grandson of Temujin was due to 1241
succeed the throne, but the empress Zhaoci usurped the
throne.
1246
1246
1248
1251
1259
Yuan Emperors
8
Grandson of Genghis Khan, and founder of the Yuan
1260
Yuan Shizu
Dynasty. He moved the capital to Beijing and settled there. In (Borjigin Kublai)
1279, he defeated the Southern Song (960 - 1279).
1294
9
Yuan Chengzong
Grandson of Kublai Khan; a conventional emperor
(Borjigin Temür)
1295
1307
10
Yuan Wuzong
(Borjigin
Qayshan)
Nephew of Chengzong
1308
1311
11
Yuan Renzong
(Borjigin
Ayurparibhadra)
Younger brother of Wuzong; he ascended the throne after
Wuzong died
1312
1320
12
Yuan Yingzong
(Borjigin
Suddhipala)
1321
Son of Renzong; he was killed by political enemies in a coup. 1323
13
Taiding Di
(Borjigin YesünTemür)
Grandson of Kublai Khan; an unremarkable emperor
1324
1328
14
Tianshun Di
(Borjigin
Arigaba)
The youngest son of Taiding Di; he was placed on the throne
following a coup, but ruled for only a month.
1328
15
Yuan Wenzong
(Borjigin ToqTemür)
The second son of Wuzong; he died of illness in 1332.
1328
1332
16
Yuan Mingzong
(Borjigin
Qoshila)
The eldest son of Wuzhong; He was poisoned by Wenzong
and reigned for only eight months.
1329
17
Yuan Ningzong
(Borjigin
Irinchibal)
The second son of Mingzong; after ruling for less than two
months, he died of illness.
1332
18
Yuan Huizong
(Borjigin
Toghan-Temür)
The eldest son of Mingzong; during his reign, the Hongjinjun
Uprising broke out and subsequently the capital was captured
by Zhu Yuanzhang.
1333
1368