Tang Dynasty

Definition

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) was one of the greatest in Imperial Chinese history. It was a golden age of reform and cultural advancement which lay the foundation for policies which are still observed in China today. The second emperor, Taizong (r. 626-649 CE) was an exemplary ruler who reformed the government, social structure, military, education, and religious practices.

More about: Tang Dynasty

Timeline

  • c. 600 - 673
    Life of celebrated Chinese court painter Yan Liben.
  • 618 - 907
    The Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 618 - 626
    Reign of Gaozu, 1st Emperor of Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 626 - 649
    Woodblock printing process develops under reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.
  • 626 - 649
    Reign of Emperor Taizong in China.
  • 644
    A Goguryeo army defeats a combined Silla and Tang army.
  • 649 - 683
    Reign of Emperor Gaozong in China.
  • 660
    The Baekje kingdom in Korea falls to a joint Silla and Chinese Tang Dynasty army and naval attack.
  • 661
    A Tang Dynasty army unsuccessfully besieges the Goguryeo capital of Pyongyang.
  • 667
    A Tang Dynasty army besieges the Goguryeo capital of Pyongyang for a second time, this time successfully.
  • 668
    The Goguryeo kingdom of northern Korea collapses following an attack by the Tang Dynasty of China.
  • 675
    The Buddhist Fengxiansi Cave is carved at Longmen Grottoes, China.
  • 675
    A Silla army defeats a Tang force at the battles of Maesosong.
  • 676
    A Silla army defeats a Tang force at the battle of Kibolpo, thus gaining control of the whole Korean peninsula.
  • 683 - 704
    Reign of Empress Wu Zetian, only female monarch of China.
  • 699 - 759
    Life of Wang Wei, the celebrated Chinese landscape painter.
  • 701 - 762
    Life of Li Po, greatest poet of the Tang Dynasty.
  • 712 - 770
    Life of the poet Du Fu, great poet of Tang Dynasty.
  • 712 - 756
    Taoism becomes official religion of China under the Emperor Xuanzong.
  • 712 - 756
    Reign of Xuanzong, 7th emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 732
    Balhae attacks by sea the Chinese port of Dengzhou.
  • 755
    General An Lushan rebels against Tang Dynasty abuses in China.
  • 756 - 762
    Reign of Emperor Suzong in China.
  • 762 - 779
    Reign of Emperor Daizong in China.
  • 772 - 846
    Life of Bai Juyi, greatest poet of later Tang Dynasty, author of "Song of Everlasting Sorrow".
  • 780 - 805
    Reign of Emperor Dezong in China.
  • 805
    Reign of Emperor Shunzong in China.
  • 806 - 820
    Reign of Emperor Xianzong in China.
  • 821 - 824
    Reign of Emperor Muzong in China.
  • 824 - 826
    Reign of Emperor Jingzong in China.
  • 826 - 840
    Reign of Emperor Wenzong in China.
  • 840 - 846
    Reign of Emperor Wuzong in China.
  • 840 - 846
    Reign of Chinese emperor Wuzong of the Tang dynasty.
  • 842 - 845
    The Chinese state persecutes Buddhist monks and their monasteries.
  • 843
    The Tang empire attacks and kills 10,000 Uyghur tribespeople in Inner Mongolia.
  • 846 - 859
    Reign of Emperor Xuanzong II in China.
  • 859 - 873
    Reign of Emperor Yizong in China; severe drought causes famine.
  • 873 - 888
    Reign of Emperor Xizong in China; Huang-Chao Rebellion erupts against government corruption and neglect.
  • 874 - 884
    Huang-Chao Rebellion topples weakened Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 888 - 904
    Reign of Emperor Zhaozong in China.
  • 904
    Emperor Zhaozong of China assassinated by Warlord Zhu Quanzong.
  • 904 - 907
    Reign of Ai, last Tang Dynasty Emperor of China; assassinated by Warlord Zhu Quanzong at age fifteen.
  • 907 - 960
    The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period in China.
  • 937 - 975
    First mention of foot-binding in Chinese texts.
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