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220
End of Han Dynasty
The Han dynasty fell in 220, and in the centuries that followed, China would be ruled by multiple other dynasties such as the Sui dynasty. This is important because it would clear the path for great dynasties to come. -
Period: 589 to 618
Sui dynasty; building of the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal that was built during Yangdi's reign was significant because it connected centers of Chinese civilization on the northern plains with the Yangtze river basin. The canal also made it possible to transport good and revenue. The Sui dynasty grew under the leadership of Wendi, and this leader also lowered taxes and made sure there would be no food shortages. His son, Yangdi, murdered him for power, by strengthened the economically and unified everyone politically as well. -
Period: 618 to 907
Tang dynasty
The Tang dynasty was important because the era brought about advancements in learning, growth in Buddhism, and a strong military power within the dynasty. They also were able to expand and help in restoring the wall. Its capital was Chang'an and it would be home to many notable emperors and empresses. Its downfall would ultimately come from the reign of Xuanzong, who would lose interest in running the empire and deal with many mutinies and rebellions that would weaken the empire. -
688
Korean conquest; vassal state of Silla
In 688, Korea was overtaken by Chinese armies. This lead to the vassal state of Silla to be created. This was significant because Silla remained loyal to the Tang for a long time, and before the creation of this vassal state, Chinese rulers had failed to get control of Korea. So having Silla was a testament to finally overcoming that past struggle. -
Period: 690 to 705
Empress Wu; Buddhist influence in China peaks
Empress Wu was one of the leaders of the Tang dynasty, and no other Emperor supported Buddism as much as she did. During her time as a ruler, she commissioned many statues and paintings for Buddism to be made. This is significant because all of this support leads to a rise of Buddhist influence in China. -
840
Period of Buddhist persecution
Emperor Wuzong of the Tang dynasty persecuted Buddist openly. He destroyed thousands of Buddhist monasteries and shrines, which forces nuns and monks to go back to civilian lives. Although Chinese Buddhism survived this persecution, it was significantly weaker, and Confucian ideology was favored. -
907
End of Tang Dynasty
Leading up to the end of the Tang Dynasty, there was often revolts and uprisings among peasants, as well as hard economic conditions. There was also a rebellion in which the Dysnaty eventually defeated, but that greatly weakened the empire. The Tang dynasty was officially over in 907 after its final emperor was forced to resign. This was significant because it would mark the beginning of the Song dynasty -
Period: 960 to 1279
Song dynasty; Neo-Confucian revival
The Song dynasty was founded by Zhao Kuangyin, who was a very good general, and very shortly. He would eventually be named as Emperor Taizu and would overcome every dynasty except for the Liao dynasty in the north. During this time, neo-Confucians were on the rise, and these people were great thinkers who greatly impacted the dynasty based on the Confucian teachings. All of this is significant because this dynasty would last for centuries, and Confucian teaching would be on the rise again. -
1100
Invention of gunpowder
The invention of gun/explosive powder would prove to be a very important creation. While it was initially used for things such as fireworks, the Chinese discovered that it was very effective in bombs and grenades and would advance military technology. -
1119
First reference to use of compass for sea navigation
During the Song dynasty, the compass was used for the first time for sea navigation. This is very significant because it would help merchants and sailors, and increase trade for Chinese empires.