Emperors of the Tang Dynasty
The rulers of the Tang Dynasty, who introduced reforms, extended the empire’s boundaries, and promoted the growth of culture and the arts, were primarily responsible for the prosperity and longevity of the period. Every emperor, from Gaozu, the first to the more recent ones, made a special contribution to the dynasty’s splendor.
Emperor |
Reign Period |
Real Name |
Key Contributions |
---|---|---|---|
Emperor Gaozu |
618-626 AD |
Li Yuan |
Founder of the Tang Dynasty established the dynasty’s foundation, reformed the government, and promoted economic recovery. |
Emperor Taizong |
626-649 AD |
Li Shimin |
Expanded the empire’s borders, established effective governance, promoted cultural achievements, and is considered one of China’s greatest emperors. |
Emperor Gaozong |
649-683 AD |
Li Zhi |
Continued his predecessors’s policies and during his reign, his wife Wu Zetian’s influence increased, she later became China’s only female emperor. |
Emperess Wu Zetian |
690-705 AD |
Wu Zhao |
Declared herself emperor, founding the Zhou Dynasty, noted for administrative reforms and expansion of the imperial examination system. |
Emperor Xuanzong |
712-756 AD |
Li Longji |
His early reign marked the High Tang, a period of prosperity, but later faced the An Lushan Rebellion, which significantly weakened the dynasty. |
Emperor Zhaozong |
888-904 AD |
Li Ye |
His reign was marked by turmoil and control by warlords, and his assassination marked the end of effective imperial rule, leading to the dynasty’s collapse. |
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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