 Traditional Chinese Dancing   Notice the different costumes Chinese dancers use vs. those of other cultures. What do you think about these costumes?  Each dance tells a story. What is your interpretation of the dances? Bell Ringer

Tang and Song Dynasties

 After the fall of the Han in 202 AD, China went through 350 years and 30 local dynasties that were unable to recreate a strong central government.  Eventually by 589, China was once again unified under emperor Wendi who began the Sui Dynasty.  The Sui Dynasty created the Grand Canal which connected the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers.  Endless labor on state projects as well as taxation let to a peasant revolt which ended the assassination of the second sui emperor. Setting the Stage

Tang Dynasty

 The Tang Dynasty would rule from  Begun by Tang Taizong who reigned from  Took power by killing his brothers and forcing his father to step aside.  Taizong means “Great Ancestor”.  Married Wu Zhao who virtually ruled China when her husband was sick. The Tang Dynasty Expands China

Tang Taizong

 Married Tang at the age of 13.  Became the favored wife and her son would be the successor.  Ruled China for years on behalf of Tang  Ruled independently at years old. Wu Zhao

 Tang armies re-conquered northern and western lands lost since decline of the Han.  Tang rulers strengthened the central government of china and expanded roads.  Revived civil service examinations (only wealthy could afford necessary education).  Innovated porcelain, the mechanical clock, explosive powder, and block printing. Tang Dynasty

 To meet the rising costs of government, Tang rulers imposed crushing taxes in mid 700’s.  Muslim armies defeated the Chinese at the battle of Talas.  Internal rebellions chipped away at imperial government.  Chinese rebels sacked and burned Tang capital in 907.  Murdered the last tang emperor who was only a child. The Tang Lose Power

Northern Song Dynasty

Southern Song Dynasty

 After fall of Tang, China was divided by warlords into separate kingdoms.  In 960, a general named Taizu reunited China and declared himself first emperor of Song Dynasty.  Song dynasty would last from  Smaller empire than Han or Tang but still prosperous. The Song Dynasty Restores China

 The prosperity of the Tang and Song dynasties nourished an age of artistic brilliance.  The Tang period Chinese painting reached new heights of beauty during the Song Dynasty.  Painting of this era shows Daoist influence.  Artists emphasized the beauty of natural landscapes and objects such as a single branch or flower.  The artists did not use bright colors. Black ink was their favorite paint.  Also produced great poetry. Golden Age of Poetry and Art

 Birds and flowers were favorite subjects for Song painters. Extra Information: Paintings

 Despite military troubles in the north, the Southern Song saw rapid economic growth.  Movable type: Movable blocks with characters used for printing.  Created paper money and the magnetic compass. Song Dynasty

 Status of women declined during the Tang and Song Dynasties.  Footbinding: Practice of binding feet to conform to small lotus or lily foot.  Seen as sensual.  Crippled for life. Song Dynasty

 Footbinding

 Group of Asian nomads known as the Mongols would gain power.  Genghis Khan would attempt to invade China but would die before he succeeded.  Grandson Kublai Khan would overwhelm the Chinese in 1279 and begin the Yuan Dynasty. Fall of the Song

 The Tang and Song dynasties each ruled for about 300 years and helped innovate china as its population continues to swell.  China would see its first major outside threat eventually take over when Kublai Khan would successfully invade and take over China in 1279 A.D. Result