Tang & Song Dynasties: Cosmopolitan Empire & Commercial Revolution
Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/01. East Asian Civilizations/01. Chinese Dynasties • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The Tang and Song dynasties (618–1279 CE) represent the zenith of Chinese medieval civilization, marked by cosmopolitan culture, commercial revolution, and technological innovation. From Tang Taizong's enlightened rule to Song paper money and maritime trade, this era saw unprecedented economic growth, urban development, and global connections via the Silk Road and Indian Ocean.
Chronological Storyline (38 Milestones)
618 CE
Li Yuan Founds Tang Dynasty
Li Yuan, a Sui general, rebels and establishes the Tang dynasty, ushering in a golden age of Chinese civilization. Chang'an becomes the new capital, eventually the world's largest city. #Tang #ChineseHistory
Li Yuan Founds Tang Dynasty By Kanguole - Own work Boundaries from Twitchett, Denis and Wechsler, Howard J. (1979), "Kao-tsung (reign 649–83) and the Empress Wu: The Inheritor and the Usurper", in Denis Twitchett and John Fairbank (eds.), The Cambridge History of China, Volume 3: Sui and T'ang China, 589–906, Part I, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-21446-9, (Map 8 p.281) and map 9 (p. 283). Blunden, Caroline and Elvin, Mark (1983), Cultural Atlas of China, Oxford: Phaidon Press, ISBN 0-7148-2309-0, pp. 26, 92–93. Shin, Michael D., ed. (2014) Korean History in Maps, Cambridge University Press, pp. 39, 47 ISBN: 978-1-107-09846-6. (pre-conquest extent of Baekje, approximating the extent of the Ungjin Commandery) Coastline and lakes from Natural Earth 1:50m Physical Vectors Conversion to SVG using svgis, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131635251
626 CE
Xuanwu Gate Incident: Li Shimin Seizes Power
Prince Li Shimin kills his brothers and forces his father to abdicate, becoming Emperor Taizong. His reign (Zhenguan era) becomes a model of effective governance and cultural flourishing. #Tang #Zhenguan
Xuanwu Gate Incident: Li Shimin Seizes Power By Unknown artist - Digitized by NPM; image is directly from Shuge, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2176477
630 CE
Tang Defeats Eastern Turks
Tang forces under Li Jing crush the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, securing the northern frontier and opening the Silk Road. This victory establishes Tang as the dominant power in Central Asia. #Tang #Military
Tang Defeats Eastern Turks By SY - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61375618
635 CE
Nestorian Christianity Enters China
The first Nestorian Christian mission, led by Alopen, arrives in Chang'an. Emperor Taizong tolerates the religion, reflecting Tang cosmopolitanism and religious diversity. #Tang #Religion
640 CE
Tang Annexes Gaochang
Tang conquers the Tarim Basin kingdom of Gaochang, establishing the Protectorate of Anxi. This extends Chinese control over the Silk Road and facilitates cultural exchange. #Tang #SilkRoad
Tang Annexes Gaochang By Colegota - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5 es, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=469425
645 CE
Xuanzang Returns from India
Buddhist monk Xuanzang returns to Chang'an after 17 years in India, bringing Buddhist scriptures. His travels are recorded in the 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions', enriching Chinese Buddhism and geography. #Tang #Buddhism
Xuanzang Returns from India By Unknown author - https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/A-10600?locale=en, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=247641
649 CE
Death of Emperor Taizong
Emperor Taizong dies, succeeded by his son Gaozong. Taizong's Zhenguan reign is celebrated for its effective administration, legal code, and cultural patronage. #Tang #Zhenguan
655 CE
Wu Zetian Becomes Empress
Wu Zetian, a former concubine, becomes empress consort to Gaozong. She begins to exert political influence, eventually becoming the only female emperor in Chinese history. #Tang #WomenInHistory
Wu Zetian Becomes Empress By Likely to be Zhang Xuan (张萱) - https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_6236329 https://www.sohu.com/a/391029246_684011, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139121925
683 CE
Death of Emperor Gaozong
Gaozong dies, and Wu Zetian becomes de facto ruler as empress dowager. She consolidates power, purging rivals and promoting her own supporters. #Tang #WuZetian
690 CE
Wu Zetian Proclaims Zhou Dynasty
Wu Zetian formally declares herself emperor, founding the Zhou dynasty (interregnum). She moves the capital to Luoyang and promotes Buddhism, but her reign is controversial. #Tang #Zhou
705 CE
Tang Restoration: Wu Zetian Overthrown
A coup forces Wu Zetian to abdicate, restoring the Tang dynasty under Emperor Zhongzong. The event ends female imperial rule but Wu's legacy influences later Tang politics. #Tang #Coup
712 CE
Emperor Xuanzong Ascends Throne
Xuanzong becomes emperor, ushering in the High Tang period. His early reign (Kaiyuan era) is marked by prosperity, cultural brilliance, and territorial expansion. #Tang #Kaiyuan
Emperor Xuanzong Ascends Throne By Unknown author - https://sohanews.sohacdn.com/160588918557773824/2021/9/10/photo-1-1631267454299183080181.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129974569
751 CE
Battle of Talas: Tang Defeated by Abbasids
Tang forces are defeated by the Abbasid Caliphate and Tibetan allies at the Talas River. This halts Tang westward expansion and leads to the transfer of papermaking technology to the Islamic world. #Tang #SilkRoad
Battle of Talas: Tang Defeated by Abbasids By SY - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61320148
755 CE
An Lushan Rebellion Begins
General An Lushan rebels against Tang, capturing Chang'an and Luoyang. The devastating rebellion weakens the Tang dynasty, leading to decentralization and economic decline. #Tang #Rebellion
An Lushan Rebellion Begins By SY - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60785139
763 CE
An Lushan Rebellion Ends
The rebellion is finally suppressed after eight years, but Tang authority is permanently damaged. The empire loses control over border regions and faces ongoing military threats. #Tang #Decline
780 CE
Two-Tax System Implemented
Chancellor Yang Yan introduces the Two-Tax System, replacing the equal-field system with a simplified tax based on land and property. This reform stabilizes revenue but increases inequality. #Tang #Economy
845 CE
Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution
Emperor Wuzong orders the destruction of Buddhist monasteries and confiscation of property. This persecution reduces Buddhist influence but also damages Tang cultural heritage. #Tang #Religion
Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution By Wang Qi - http://www.chinapage.com/emperor/tang0815.jpg and https://baike.baidu.com/pic/李炎/62587/0/1c950a7b02087bf4ea852162f2d3572c10dfcfd4?fr=lemma&ct=single#aid=0&pic=4d497006eb941f37020881eb, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3969740
868 CE
Diamond Sutra Printed
The Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist text, is printed using woodblocks, making it the world's oldest dated printed book. It demonstrates advanced printing technology in Tang China. #Tang #Printing
Diamond Sutra Printed By The colophon, at the inner end, reads: Reverently [caused to be] made for universal free distribution by Wang Jie on behalf of his two parents on the 13th of the 4th moon of the 9th year of Xiantong [i.e. 11th May, CE 868 ]. - Zoomable image from the British Library's Online Gallery. Originally uploaded to en:Wikipedia (log) in January 2008 by Fconaway (talk) and in November 2009 by Earthsound (talk)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6925162
907 CE
Fall of Tang Dynasty
The last Tang emperor is deposed by Zhu Wen, ending the dynasty. China enters the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a time of fragmentation and warfare. #Tang #Fall
Fall of Tang Dynasty By Ian Kiu - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3048730
960 CE
Song Dynasty Founded by Zhao Kuangyin
General Zhao Kuangyin (Emperor Taizu) stages a coup and establishes the Song dynasty, reunifying most of China. He centralizes military power and promotes civil administration. #Song #Founding
Song Dynasty Founded by Zhao Kuangyin By China - Song Dynasty - cs.svg: User:Mozzan derivative work: Kanguole - China 11a.jpg: User:LiDaobing based on Tan Qixiang (ed.), Zhongguo lishi ditu (中国历史地图集; 1982) China - Song Dynasty - cs.svg: User:Mozzan, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39938105
976 CE
Death of Emperor Taizu
Emperor Taizu dies, succeeded by his brother Taizong. Taizu's policies of centralization and civil service exams shape Song governance. #Song #Taizu
Death of Emperor Taizu By AnonymousUnknown author - Digitized by NPM; image is directly from Shuge, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3969512
1004 CE
Treaty of Shanyuan with Liao
Song signs a peace treaty with the Liao dynasty, agreeing to annual tribute. This ends decades of war but establishes a stable northern border, allowing economic growth. #Song #Diplomacy
Treaty of Shanyuan with Liao By 玖巧仔 - This file was derived from: 北宋疆域图（简）.png, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75627122
1024 CE
First Paper Money: Jiaozi Issued
The Song government issues the first official paper money, jiaozi, in Sichuan. This innovation facilitates trade and commerce, marking a milestone in financial history. #Song #Economy
First Paper Money: Jiaozi Issued By John E. Sandrock - Ancient Chinese Cash Notes - The World's First Paper Money - Part 1 (The Currency Collector)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72426460
1041 CE
Bi Sheng Invents Movable Type
Bi Sheng develops movable type printing using clay characters. Though not widely adopted then, it precedes Gutenberg's press by 400 years and advances printing technology. #Song #Invention
Bi Sheng Invents Movable Type By Popolon - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41978610
1069 CE
Wang Anshi's Reforms Begin
Chancellor Wang Anshi launches the New Policies, including state loans, tax reforms, and militia systems. These controversial reforms aim to strengthen the state but face opposition. #Song #Reform
Wang Anshi's Reforms Begin By Unknown author - 《中国历代人物图库》，清宫旧藏。, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=179085
1085 CE
Sima Guang's Zizhi Tongjian Completed
Historian Sima Guang completes the 'Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government', a monumental history of China from 403 BCE to 959 CE. It becomes a classic reference. #Song #History
Sima Guang's Zizhi Tongjian Completed By 司马光 (Sima Guang) - http://www.nlc.gov.cn/service/exhibit/culture/html/01_03_03.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7671821
1100 CE
Song Maritime Trade Expands
Song China's maritime trade flourishes, with ports like Quanzhou and Guangzhou handling vast commerce. Chinese ships trade with Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. #Song #Trade
Song Maritime Trade Expands By Jean-Michel Moullec from Vern sur Seiche (35, Bretagne), France - S472_SongNord_HuiZong_DaGuan, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=168084159
1127 CE
Jin Capture Kaifeng: Northern Song Ends
Jurchen Jin forces capture the Song capital Kaifeng, taking Emperor Qinzong and many officials prisoner. The Song court flees south, marking the start of the Southern Song. #Song #War
1132 CE
Southern Song Capital Established at Hangzhou
The Song court settles in Hangzhou (Lin'an), which becomes the new capital. The city grows into a prosperous commercial and cultural center, with a population over one million. #Song #Capital
Southern Song Capital Established at Hangzhou By EditQ - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130389352
1141 CE
Treaty of Shaoxing with Jin
Southern Song signs a peace treaty with the Jin dynasty, agreeing to pay tribute and cede northern territories. This stabilizes the border but is seen as humiliating. #Song #Diplomacy
Treaty of Shaoxing with Jin By Ian Kiu - Own work using: File:Sung Dynasty 1141.png, itself based on a map in Albert Herrmann (1935). History and Commercial Atlas of China. Harvard University Press., CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83725994
1161 CE
Battle of Caishi: Song Defeats Jin
Song forces repel a Jin invasion at the Battle of Caishi, using gunpowder weapons. This victory boosts Song morale and demonstrates early military use of gunpowder. #Song #Military
Battle of Caishi: Song Defeats Jin By Zeng Gongliang, uploaded by Liang Jieming - Wujing Zongyao ("Chinese Siege Warfare: Mechanical Artillery & Siege Weapons of Antiquity" by Liang Jieming, ISBN 981-05-5380-3), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1047500
1206 CE
Genghis Khan Unites Mongols
Temujin is proclaimed Genghis Khan, uniting Mongol tribes. The Mongol Empire begins its expansion, eventually threatening the Song dynasty. #Mongol #Empire
Genghis Khan Unites Mongols By Unknown author - Digitized by National Palace Museum; file is directly from Shuge, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4126191
1234 CE
Mongols Conquer Jin Dynasty
Mongol forces, allied with Song, destroy the Jin dynasty. The Song briefly recovers northern territories but now faces the Mongols directly. #Song #Mongol
Mongols Conquer Jin Dynasty By Sayf al-Vâhidî. Hérât. Afghanistan - Bibliothèque nationale de France. Département des Manuscrits. Division orientale. Supplément persan 1113, fol. 49, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10010647
1259 CE
Battle of Diaoyu City: Song Repels Mongols
Song forces successfully defend Diaoyu City in Sichuan against Mongol attacks. The battle delays the Mongol conquest and shows the effectiveness of Song fortifications. #Song #Resistance
Battle of Diaoyu City: Song Repels Mongols By Harveychl at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by nopira., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4665794
1271 CE
Kublai Khan Proclaims Yuan Dynasty
Kublai Khan declares the Yuan dynasty, adopting a Chinese-style court. He continues the campaign against the Southern Song, aiming for total conquest. #Yuan #Mongol
Kublai Khan Proclaims Yuan Dynasty By Araniko - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4126240
1273 CE
Siege of Xiangyang Ends
After a six-year siege, the Song stronghold of Xiangyang falls to Mongol forces, who use advanced siege weapons. This opens the way for the Mongol invasion of the Yangtze region. #Song #War
1276 CE
Mongols Capture Hangzhou
Mongol forces capture the Southern Song capital Hangzhou. The Song emperor surrenders, but loyalists continue resistance for three more years. #Song #Fall
Mongols Capture Hangzhou By (Long night without wind) 长夜无风 - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4324991
1279 CE
Battle of Yamen: End of Song Dynasty
The last Song loyalists are defeated at the Battle of Yamen. The child emperor Zhao Bing dies, ending the Song dynasty and beginning Mongol rule over all China. #Song #End
