Tang & Song China Golden Ages
Two Great Dynasties in China During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, China becomes the richest, powerful, and most advanced country in the world.
Why it Matters Now: Chinese inventions from this period, such as printing, gunpowder, and the compass, changed history. Main Idea: Tang and Song China experienced an era of prosperity and technological innovation.
The Tang Dynasty World View: The Song Dynasty World View: west along the Silk Road looks east towards the sea
Trade/Foreign Contacts Silk Road west; Tang Dynasty
Trade/Foreign Contacts Silk Road west; Tang Dynasty ocean ships east, Song Dynasty Korea Japan India Persian Gulf east Africa
Agriculture imported fast-ripening rice from Vietnam
Agriculture imported fast-ripening rice from Vietnam allowed two crops each season instead of one
Agriculture imported fast-ripening rice from Vietnam allowed two crops each season instead of one fueled population increase
Science and Technology mathematics flourished
Science and Technology mathematics flourished adopted the use of algebra and the concept of zero
Science and Technology mathematics flourished adopted the use of algebra and the concept of zero invented movable type
Science and Technology mathematics flourished adopted the use of algebra and the concept of zero invented movable type developed gunpowder
Inventions of Tang and Song China
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement great poetry Li Bo and Du Fu
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement great poetry Li Bo and Du Fu Three-color ware was one of the greatest contributions of the Tang Dynasty
Golden Age of Art wealth, education, and urban culture = artistic achievement great poetry Li Bo and Du Fu Three-color ware was one of the greatest contributions of the Tang Dynasty. Many figurines, predominantly horses and camels, were produced.
Most of these pieces have been found in the more affluent tombs of the Tang period
The Tang and Song Dynasties Compared Tang Only Song Only Both Ruled smaller empire, developed into great sea power, created paper money and movable type Expanded the empire, had a female ruler, adopted Buddhism Prospered through trade, improved agriculture, created great art and literature