The end of the Han dynasty came after the Forbidden city had been built. In the markets, there were many restrictions such as controlled prices. Taxes were raised, and there became 2 distinct groups: the very wealthy who could pay the taxes and the poor who struggled to pay, with no real middle class. In 148 AD, there was a series of rebellions that led to the last Han emperor to give up his throne in 220 AD.
After this, the First Empire of China fell apart. Nomads took control of everything north of the Yangtze river until about 600 AD, and there were many short lived dynasties to the south. During this time, Buddhism took a strong hold in the Chinese culture. This time was called the Dark Ages of China because it was such a weak civilization, so buddhist philosophy of finding inner peace even if you suffered on the outside became appealing.
The second empire lasted from 589- 960 AD. After almost 400 years without a strong dynasty, China had been divided. In 589, Sui Wendi, a general, took over the dynasties to the south and formed the Sui dynasty. He rebuilt China as a great empire by restoring roads and buildings that had been destroyed, he brought back the examination system for government positions, had a strong government and was a good ruler. However, after his death Sui Wendi’s son became greedy and depleted the treasury for selfish needs. All military campaigns during his reign were unsuccessful and led China to become bankrupt. Rebellions broke out again, and the new emperor was killed. So in 618 AD, the Tang dynasty began.
The Tang dynasty was known as the Golden Age of China. The capital was moved to Chang’an and had a population of over 1 million, compared to Rome’s 60,000. Every peasant was given a large plot of land. Thousands of foreigners lived here, and many religions were practiced such as Buddhism, Zoroaster, and Christianity. Foreign relations were strong in this period. During this time, woman had partially regained their equality with me. They could compete in contests as well as sporting events, and were respected. The second Tang emperor, Taizong, helped to bring equality to the people as well. After his death, his wife, Empress Wu, succeeded him. [See more in Important People]. The Tang dynasty really advanced China’s cultural practices. Music and poetry were written and of great value, architecture, and pottery became more complex, and is still influential today.
Around 752 AD, Emperor Ming-Huang began to let the government become corrupt and incompetent because he was more focused on Yang Gueifei, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in China. This was the start of the An Lu-Shan rebellion. It lasted over 10 years and was the most violent rebellion in China's history. Ming-Huang, Yang Gueifei, and their troops were driven out of the city. Eventually, the troops refused to travel with Yang because they blamed her for the rebellion, forcing the emperor to kill her. During this rebellion, the Tang dynasty was almost wiped out but managed to survive for over a century, although it's golden age was well over. The end of the Second Empire came when the government lost control 876 AD.
After this, the First Empire of China fell apart. Nomads took control of everything north of the Yangtze river until about 600 AD, and there were many short lived dynasties to the south. During this time, Buddhism took a strong hold in the Chinese culture. This time was called the Dark Ages of China because it was such a weak civilization, so buddhist philosophy of finding inner peace even if you suffered on the outside became appealing.
The second empire lasted from 589- 960 AD. After almost 400 years without a strong dynasty, China had been divided. In 589, Sui Wendi, a general, took over the dynasties to the south and formed the Sui dynasty. He rebuilt China as a great empire by restoring roads and buildings that had been destroyed, he brought back the examination system for government positions, had a strong government and was a good ruler. However, after his death Sui Wendi’s son became greedy and depleted the treasury for selfish needs. All military campaigns during his reign were unsuccessful and led China to become bankrupt. Rebellions broke out again, and the new emperor was killed. So in 618 AD, the Tang dynasty began.
The Tang dynasty was known as the Golden Age of China. The capital was moved to Chang’an and had a population of over 1 million, compared to Rome’s 60,000. Every peasant was given a large plot of land. Thousands of foreigners lived here, and many religions were practiced such as Buddhism, Zoroaster, and Christianity. Foreign relations were strong in this period. During this time, woman had partially regained their equality with me. They could compete in contests as well as sporting events, and were respected. The second Tang emperor, Taizong, helped to bring equality to the people as well. After his death, his wife, Empress Wu, succeeded him. [See more in Important People]. The Tang dynasty really advanced China’s cultural practices. Music and poetry were written and of great value, architecture, and pottery became more complex, and is still influential today.
Around 752 AD, Emperor Ming-Huang began to let the government become corrupt and incompetent because he was more focused on Yang Gueifei, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in China. This was the start of the An Lu-Shan rebellion. It lasted over 10 years and was the most violent rebellion in China's history. Ming-Huang, Yang Gueifei, and their troops were driven out of the city. Eventually, the troops refused to travel with Yang because they blamed her for the rebellion, forcing the emperor to kill her. During this rebellion, the Tang dynasty was almost wiped out but managed to survive for over a century, although it's golden age was well over. The end of the Second Empire came when the government lost control 876 AD.