The greatest of the first millennium empires in wealth, size, and population was China’s T’ang Dynasty.

From the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 220 A. D From the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 220 A.D., China experienced infighting among warlords and constant invasions.

Li Yuan founded the T’ang Dynasty. He claimed the Mandate of Heaven.

The T’ang Dynasty resumed the examination system of the Han.

Loyal and trained administrators were used in the vast empire that included parts of Eastern and Central Asia.

His son, T’aizong, expanded the empire into Tibet and westward into Central Asia.

During the T’ang dynasty, China’s first woman ruler presided over a golden age. Empress Wu Zhao

T’ang Accomplishments The T’ang ordered the construction of canals for internal trade. The T’ang redistributed land among the peasants.

Chinese Accomplishments Printing Gunpowder Porcelain Weaving Pagodas

The T’ang fell from power amid growing independence of military commanders.

Warlords ruled China.

China was not reunited again until 960 A.D.

The Song Dynasty revived China. Expanded and regulated trade Issued Paper Currency A revival of poetry Landscape painting

But in 1279, the Mongol ruler, Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty. The dynastic cycle continued!