The Tang and Song Dynasties Chinese Empires The Tang and Song Dynasties

The Han Dynasty Had ruled China from 206 BC-220 AD Dynasty collapsed and military leaders divided China into rival kingdoms

The Sui Dynasty Built the Grand Canal Connected northern and southern China Increased trade Allowed food from farms in the south to be sent to cities in the north Forced millions of peasants to work on canal Many workers died Forced labor on public works projects angered peasants

The Tang Dynasty Tang ruled China from 618-907 AD Started by Tang Taizong in 618 Expansion and contact with Japan led to increased foreign trade and economic prosperity

Tang Government Established a strong central government Government workers were required to pass civil service exams Schools were built to prepare civil service workers Ideals of Confucianism reflected in government

The Song Dynasty China entered into a period of disorder after the collapse of the Tang Lasted for 53 years “The Period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms” The Song Dynasty reunited China in 960 AD. Ruled for 3OO years

Tang and Song Social Order Established a strict social order Gentry Wealthy landowners Some become civil servants Peasants farmers Merchants

Status of Women Under the Tang and Song Women were considered inferior to men Foot binding Goal was to create small feet (“lotus”) by restricting the growth of the foot 3-4 inches long Done between ages 3 -11

Tang and Song Achievements Expanded Trade Traded with India, Persia, and the Middle East along the silk road Became expert shipbuilders and became a naval power The Chinese Junk

Tang and Song Achievements Made improvements in farming which increased food productive Fast ripening rice could be harvested 2-3 times a year New methods of farming Lead to population increases and increased trade

Tang and Song Golden Age China entered a golden age during both the Tang and Song dynasties

Tang and Song Golden Age Technological Innovations Moveable type and block printing Paper Money Porcelain Gunpowder Magnetic Compass

Tang and Song Golden Age Art Landscape painting use of calligraphy Artistic handwriting

Tang and Song Golden Age Architecture Pagodas

Closure What was the impact of improved farming techniques on China? Identify two advances that were made during the Tang and Song golden age