Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/01. East Asian Civilizations • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The Tang and Song dynasties represent the zenith of medieval Chinese culture, marked by political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing. Key milestones include Tang Taizong's Zhenguan reign, Wu Zetian's rule, the cosmopolitan capital Chang'an, the introduction of paper money (Jiaozi) in the Song, and the expansion of maritime trade through Quanzhou port.
Chronological Storyline (42 Milestones)
618 CE
Tang Dynasty Founded
Li Yuan (Emperor Gaozu) establishes the Tang Dynasty after the fall of the Sui, ushering in a golden age of Chinese civilization. #history #China
Tang Dynasty Founded 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
Prince Li Shimin kills his brothers and forces his father to abdicate, becoming Emperor Taizong. This event marks the beginning of the Zhenguan era. #history #China
Xuanwu Gate Incident By Unknown artist - Digitized by NPM; image is directly from Shuge, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2176477
627 CE
Zhenguan Era Begins
Emperor Taizong's reign (627-649) is known for effective governance, military expansion, and cultural prosperity, setting the standard for Chinese emperors. #history #China
630 CE
Tang Defeats Eastern Turks
Tang forces under Li Jing defeat the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, securing the northern frontier and opening the Silk Road. #history #warfare
635 CE
Nestorian Stele Erected
The Nestorian Stele is erected in Chang'an, documenting the arrival of Christianity in China. #religion #history
640 CE
Tang Annexes Gaochang
The Tang conquest of the Gaochang Kingdom in the Tarim Basin extends Chinese control over the Silk Road. #history #China
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
The Buddhist monk Xuanzang returns to Chang'an after 17 years in India, bringing sacred texts and writing the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. #religion #travel
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
Emperor Taizong Dies
Emperor Taizong dies and is succeeded by his son Li Zhi (Emperor Gaozong). The Zhenguan era ends, but Tang prosperity continues. #history #China
655 CE
Wu Zetian Becomes Empress
Wu Zetian, a former concubine, becomes empress consort to Emperor Gaozong and begins to wield significant political power. #history #women
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
Emperor Gaozong Dies
Emperor Gaozong dies, and Wu Zetian becomes regent for her sons, effectively ruling the empire. #history #China
Emperor Gaozong Dies By Unknown author - Image taken from An 18th century album of portraits of 86 emperors of China, with Chinese historical notes. Originally published/produced in China, 18th century. (British Library, Shelfmark Or. 2231)https://www.imagesonline.bl.uk/asset/7415/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5824014
690 CE
Wu Zetian Proclaims Zhou Dynasty
Wu Zetian officially proclaims herself emperor of the Zhou dynasty, becoming the only female emperor in Chinese history. #history #women
705 CE
Tang Dynasty Restored
A coup forces Wu Zetian to abdicate, and the Tang dynasty is restored under Emperor Zhongzong. #history #China
712 CE
Emperor Xuanzong Ascends
Emperor Xuanzong begins his reign, which will become the second peak of Tang culture, known for poetry, music, and the An Lushan Rebellion. #history #China
Emperor Xuanzong Ascends 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
Arab forces defeat the Tang army at the Battle of Talas, halting Tang expansion into Central Asia and leading to the spread of papermaking to the Islamic world. #history #warfare
Battle of Talas 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 the Tang, leading to a devastating civil war that weakens the dynasty. #history #warfare
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, but the Tang dynasty is permanently weakened, losing control over many regions. #history #China
845 CE
Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution
Emperor Wuzong orders the destruction of Buddhist monasteries and confiscation of property, severely impacting Buddhism in China. #religion #history
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, the world's oldest dated printed book, is produced in China, demonstrating advanced woodblock printing. #technology #history
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
Tang Dynasty Ends
The Tang dynasty collapses after years of rebellion and fragmentation, leading to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. #history #China
960 CE
Song Dynasty Founded
Zhao Kuangyin (Emperor Taizu) establishes the Song dynasty, reunifying most of China and ushering in a period of economic and cultural brilliance. #history #China
Song Dynasty Founded 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
1004 CE
Treaty of Shanyuan
The Song dynasty signs a peace treaty with the Liao dynasty, agreeing to annual tribute in exchange for peace, stabilizing the northern border. #history #diplomacy
Treaty of Shanyuan 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 Issued
The Song government issues the Jiaozi, the world's first paper money, to facilitate trade and replace heavy coinage. #economics #technology )
First Paper Money 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
Movable Type Printing Invented
Bi Sheng invents movable type printing using clay characters, revolutionizing book production. #technology #invention
Movable Type Printing Invented By Willi Heidelbach - http://www.sxc.hu/photo/238776; archived copy: stock.xchng - the quick brown fox ... (photo by wilhei66), CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=154912
1069 CE
Wang Anshi's Reforms
Wang Anshi, a Song chancellor, implements radical reforms including tax changes and government loans to strengthen the state. #history #politics
Wang Anshi's Reforms 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
1088 CE
Dream Pool Essays Published
Shen Kuo publishes the Dream Pool Essays, covering geology, astronomy, and mathematics, showcasing Song scientific achievements. #science #history
Dream Pool Essays Published By Unknown 18th century artist - http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/PictDisplay/Shen_Kua.html, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6551589
1127 CE
Jin Capture Kaifeng
Jurchen Jin forces capture the Song capital Kaifeng, ending the Northern Song dynasty. The Song court flees south, establishing the Southern Song. #history #warfare
1132 CE
Southern Song Capital at Hangzhou
The Southern Song establishes its capital at Lin'an (modern Hangzhou), which becomes a thriving economic and cultural center. #history #China
Southern Song Capital 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
The Song and Jin sign a peace treaty, with the Song agreeing to pay tribute and cede territory, securing peace for two decades. #history #diplomacy
Treaty of Shaoxing 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 forces defeat the Jin navy at the Battle of Caishi, using gunpowder weapons, demonstrating early military use of gunpowder. #warfare #technology
Battle of Caishi 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
Genghis Khan unites the Mongol tribes and begins his conquests, which will eventually threaten the Song dynasty. #history #warfare
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
The Mongol Empire destroys the Jin dynasty, becoming a direct neighbor to the Southern Song. #history #warfare
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
1271 CE
Kublai Khan Proclaims Yuan Dynasty
Kublai Khan officially proclaims the Yuan dynasty, adopting Chinese-style governance while continuing Mongol rule. #history #China
Kublai Khan Proclaims Yuan Dynasty By Cattette - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=145249990
1276 CE
Mongols Capture Hangzhou
Yuan forces capture the Southern Song capital Hangzhou, effectively ending the Song dynasty. The last Song emperor dies in 1279. #history #warfare
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
The final battle of the Song dynasty, where the last Song emperor dies, marking the complete Mongol conquest of China. #history #warfare
1298 CE
Marco Polo's Travels Published
Marco Polo's book describing his travels in China under Kublai Khan introduces Europe to Chinese culture and wealth. #travel #history
Marco Polo's Travels Published By Unknown author - The Description of the World, Moule & Pelliot, 1938, dont la source est le frontispice en noir et blanc de la 1e édition allemande du Livre de Marco Polo (Nuremberg, 1477)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=194214365
1368 CE
Ming Dynasty Founded
Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor) overthrows the Yuan dynasty and establishes the Ming dynasty, restoring Han Chinese rule. #history #China
Ming Dynasty Founded By Albert Herrmann Creator:Q1509115 & Georg Westermann - Historical and Commercial Atlas of China, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=158240988
1405 CE
Zheng He's First Voyage
Admiral Zheng He begins his first voyage, leading a massive fleet to Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, showcasing Ming maritime power. #exploration #history
Zheng He's First Voyage By Marcin Konsek - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51927875
1421 CE
Ming Capital Moves to Beijing
The Yongle Emperor moves the Ming capital from Nanjing to Beijing, constructing the Forbidden City. #history #China
Ming Capital Moves to Beijing By Pixelflake - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19989908
1433 CE
Zheng He's Last Voyage
Zheng He completes his seventh and final voyage, after which the Ming dynasty halts maritime expeditions, turning inward. #exploration #history
1449 CE
Tumu Crisis
The Ming emperor is captured by the Oirat Mongols at the Battle of Tumu, leading to a political crisis. #history #warfare
Tumu Crisis By SY - Own work. Based on: Twitchett, Denis C; Grimm, Tilemann (1988). "The Cheng-t'ung, Ching-t'ai, and T'ien-shun reigns, 1436—1464". In Mote, Frederick W.; Twitchett, Denis C (eds.). The Cambridge History of China Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521243327. p. 323. Kierman, Frank A.; Fairbank, John King (2013). Chinese Ways in Warfare. Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674182042. p. 257., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62675501
1557 CE
Portuguese Settle in Macau
The Ming dynasty allows the Portuguese to establish a trading settlement in Macau, marking the beginning of European colonial presence in China. #history #trade
Portuguese Settle in Macau By see File history - GB 17654-1999 澳门特别行政区区旗, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433195
1644 CE
Ming Dynasty Falls
Li Zicheng's rebel forces capture Beijing, and the last Ming emperor commits suicide. The Manchu Qing dynasty soon takes over. #history #China
