Decline of the Tang Dynasty
After 820 A.D., palace intrigue grew under the Tang Dynasty, characterised by eunuch conspiracies that led to the assassinations of several emperors in succession. In order to foil eunuch plots, Emperor Wenzong, along with his chancellor and general, staged “The Sweet Dew incident” in 835 A.D. This event resulted in the public death of three prominent ministers and their families as well as the murder of 1,000 officials. By the year 860 A.D., gangs and armies were terrorising and pillaging the countryside, causing havoc. In 880 A.D., disgraced civil servant Huang Chao took control and put 3,000 poets to death. Zhu Wen brought an end to the Tang Dynasty in 907, establishing the Hou Liang dynasty and igniting the turbulent period known as the Five Dynasties.
Tang Dynasty ( 618-907)
Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 AD, is regarded as the apex of both Chinese and global civilization. This historical era was marked by notable developments in technology and culture, in addition to its notable contributions to philosophy, politics, literature, and the arts.
We shall look at the salient features, historical significance, and enduring impact of the Tang Dynasty in the sections that follow.
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