Tang Dynasty
By Mady and Rachel
Brief Over View of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty ruled from 618 to 907, and during that time China experienced a time of peace and that made it one of the most powerful nationals in the world. It is referred to as the Golden Age.
Empress Wu
Empress Wu Zetian was the only women in Ancient China history to rule China. The Tang Dynasty was a time of relative freedom for women as she showed them power. She ruled China and it began to be more peaceful and less war. Wu was born into a rich family and learnt reading music and writing all the Chinese classics. By thirteen she was known for hit beauty, wit and intelligence and was called upon court of Emperor Tai Tsung, she soon became his favourite concubine.
Chinas Golden Age
The Tang Dynasty was known to end the Age of Division, and made China one country again. This made the people very happy and was known as The Golden Age of China. The wars were over, and no more arguing occurred. Empress Wu really made an impact, new things were also introduced like bananas and tea drinking.
Chinese Lifestyle
The Tang Dynasty was famous for its encouragement toward literature, dancing, music, scroll painting and art. Pottery was painted with scenes of everyday life, carriages, bridges and signs of the zodiac. People came from as far away as India and Korea to study the Ancient Arts. There were special rooms in which you trained in. You had to have talent, but the offering was there if you wanted it.
Empress Wu Zetian Quick Facts
- Wu Zetian was born in 624 in Wenshui county, Shanxi Province.
- At the age of 14, she was selected to be Emperor Taizong's Cai Ren (a kind of Tang concubine) because of her beauty and intelligence.
- Wu managed to remove a group of political enemies thus clearing away all the obstacles in her political career.
- She killed her daughter and her two sons in order to stay on top of the throne and no one could take over.
- After 15 years of ruling, Wu Zetian was severely ill at the beginning of the year 705. Under pressure from many chancellors, Wu finally agreed to yield the throne to her third son Li Xian3 who continued to be Emperor Zhongzong.
- During that period, her literary talents impressed Emperor who permitted her to assist as a secretary.
- In 649 when Emperor Taizong died, Wu was sent to Ganye Temple to be a nun.