The An Lushan Rebellion is a devastating rebellion against the Tang Dynasty of China.
The rebellion overtly begins on December 16, 755, when general An Lushan declares himself emperor in Northern China, thus establishing a rival Yan Dynasty, and ends when Yan falls on February 17, 763 (although the effects last past this date).
This event is also known (especially in Chinese historiography) as the An–Shi Rebellion or An–Shi Disturbances, as it continues after An Lushan's death under his son An Qingxu and his deputy and successor Shi Siming, or as the Tianbao Rebellion, as it begins in the 14th year of this era.The rebellion spans the reigns of three Tang emperors before it is quashed, and involves a wide range of regional powers; besides the Tang dynasty loyalists, others involved are anti-Tang families, especially in An Lushan's base area in Hebei, and Arab, Gokturk, and Sogdian forces or influences, among others.
The rebellion and subsequent disorder result in a huge loss of life and large-scale destruction.
It significantly weakens the Tang dynasty, and leads to the loss of the Western Regions.
