Chinese Empire, Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty (June 18, 618 – June 1, 907) is an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period.

It is founded by the Li family, who seize power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire.

The dynasty is interrupted briefly by the Second Zhou Dynasty (October 8, 690 – March 3, 705) when Empress Wu Zetian seizes the throne, becoming the only Chinese empress regnant to rule in her own right.The Tang Dynasty, with its capital at Chang'an (present-day Xi'an), which at the time is the most populous city in the world, is generally regarded as a high point in Chinese civilization—equal to, or surpassing that of, the earlier Han Dynasty—a golden age of cosmopolitan culture.

Its territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivals that of the Han Dynasty.

In two censuses of the 7th and 8th centuries, the Tang records estimate the population by number of registered households at about 50 million people.

Yet, even when the central government is breaking down and unable to compile an accurate census of the population in the 9th century, it is estimated that the population had grown by then to about 80 million people.

With its large population base, the dynasty is able to raise professional and conscripted armies of hundreds of thousands of troops to contend with nomadic powers in dominating Inner Asia and the lucrative trade routes along the Silk Road.

Various kingdoms and states pay tribute to the Tang court, while the Tang also conquers or subdues several regions which it indirectly controls through a protectorate system.

Besides political hegemony, the Tang also exert a powerful cultural influence over neighboring states such as those in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.The Tang Dynasty is largely a period of progress and stability, except during the An Lushan Rebellion and the decline of central authority in the later half of the dynasty.

Like the previous Sui Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty maintains a civil service system by drafting officials through standardized examinations and recommendations to office.

This civil order is undermined by the rise of regional military governors known as jiedushi during the 9th century.

Chinese culture flourishes and further matures during the Tang era; it is considered the greatest age for Chinese poetry.

Two of China's most famous poets, Li Bai and Du Fu, belong to this age, as do many famous painters such as Han Gan, Zhang Xuan, and Zhou Fang.

There is a rich variety of historical literature compiled by scholars, as well as encyclopedias and geographical works.There are many notable innovations during the Tang, including the development of woodblock printing.

Buddhism becomes a major influence in Chinese culture, with native Chinese sects gaining prominence.

However, Buddhism will later be persecuted by the state and decline in influence.

Although the dynasty and central government are in decline by the 9th century, art and culture continue to flourish.

The weakened central government largely withdraws from managing the economy, though the country's mercantile affairs stay intact and commercial trade continues to thrive regardless.

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