The Tang Dynasty 618 AD – 907 AD

China under the Tang Dynasty (teal) circa 700 AD

Capital Chang'an (618–904) Luoyang (904–907) Language(s) Chinese Religion Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese folk religion Government - Monarchy History - Li Yuan takes over the throne of the Sui Dynasty June 18, 618

Population - 7th century est. 50,000, th century est. 80,000,000 Currency - Chinese coin, Chinese cash

The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li ( 李 ) family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire. The dynasty was interrupted briefly by the Second Zhou Dynasty (October 8, 690 – March 3, 705) when Empress Wu Zetian seized the throne, becoming the first and only Chinese empress.

The Tang Dynasty is generally regarded as a high point in Chinese civilization. The Tang Dynasty was largely a period of progress and stability. Chinese culture flourished and further matured 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, belonged to this age, as did many famous painters such as Han Gan, Zhang Xuan, and Zhou Fang.