E. Napp The T’ang and Sung Dynasties In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Golden Age Silk Road Chinese inventions Students will also be able to explain why the T’ang and Sung dynasties are considered golden ages.

E. Napp The T’ang dynasty ruled China from 618 to 907 A.D.

E. Napp The T’ang Dynasty From 618 to 907 A.D., the T’ang dynasty ruled China. A dynasty is a ruling family. During the T’ang dynasty, China became the richest and most powerful country in the world.

E. Napp T’ang rulers were wealthy and powerful.

E. Napp The Civil Service Civil servants governed China during the T’ang Dynasty. To become a member of the civil service, a Chinese man had to pass a rigorous examination on Chinese history and Confucianism. Any Chinese man could take the examination.

E. Napp T’ang China is considered a golden age.

E. Napp A Golden Age A golden age is a time of peace, prosperity, and great achievements. T’ang China is considered a golden age. Great works of art, increased trade, peace, and prosperity occurred throughout most of the T’ang period.

E. Napp Trade increased during the T’ang dynasty.

E. Napp The Silk Road The Silk Road was a series of trading routes that connected China to the Middle East. During the T’ang dynasty, trade increased. Merchants prospered on the Silk Road. Silk and porcelain were carried out of China.

E. Napp T’ang artists painted mostly in black and emphasized the importance of nature.

E. Napp The Sung Dynasty The Sung dynasty ruled China from 960 to 1279 A.D. Its capital city was one of the most modern cities of the world. The Sung dynasty is also considered a golden age.

E. Napp A golden age occurred during the Sung dynasty.

E. Napp Chinese Inventions Many great inventions developed in China during these dynasties. The Chinese invented gunpowder, the compass, and printing. Chinese inventions spread through cultural diffusion.

E. Napp Questions for Reflection: What was the Chinese civil service examination and how did it affect China? What is a golden age and why are the T’ang and Sung dynasties considered golden ages? What was the Silk Road and why was it important? How did Chinese inventions affect the history of the world?