1. Post – Classical China
Sui, Tang, Song Empires

2. Sui Empire China re-emerges, unlike Rome
Sui tribe unifies China by marrying from another kingdom
Sui paved the way for the Tang, just like the Qin paved the way for the Han
Both the Han and Tang lasted for a long time

3. Government TANG SONG Confucian exam system for gov. jobs Bureaucracy
1 Female Ruler – legitimate through Buddhism
Bureaucracy expanded
Simpler exams
Led by scholar-gentry

4. Military TANG SONG VERY strong
In later empire, are given more control of areas to protect, tax and control
VERY weak
Led by scholars – no military experience
Constant outside pressure
Pay tribute to stop raids
Lose ½ of empire

5. Religion TANG SONG Upheld Confucian ideals
Strongly influenced by Buddhism
Temples own a lot of land – can’t tax
Neo-Confucianism
Attacked Buddhists for promoting careers of women

6. Social TANG SONG Based on Neo- Confucian ideals
Scholar-gentry at top
Don’t trust landowning aristocrats
Peasants happy
Cosmopolitan
Women have more freedom
Commoners can go to university
Based on Neo- Confucian ideals
Male dominated hierarchy
Laws favor men
Reinforce “tradition” – class, age, gender
Peasants taxed – rebel
Women lose freedoms

7. Advancements TANG SONG Repair Great Wall Grand Canal
Silk Road – eastern edge
Redistribution of land
Strong economic growth
Industry & production
Commerce
Agriculture

8. Decline TANG SONG Neglectful emperor Peasant rebellion
Military takes control
Nomad pressures – Uighurs
Blame Buddhism
Attack from Mongols