-
Jan 1, 618
Tang Empire Founded
The Li family of China overtook the Sui dynasty and founded the Tang. Led by Li Shimin, the dynasty pread throughout inner Asia. The empire followed Confucian Ideals and Turkic culture. They combined crossbows and armor with horsemen and stirrups during warfare. Additionally, the rulers gave power to local leaders to avoid overcentralization. -
Feb 2, 645
Yamato Regime
The Yamato was based on Japan's central island. They implemented Taika, a set of reforms, that brought Confucianism and Buddhism to Japan. The Yamato borrowed law structures and buildings from the Chinese. The Tenno, or emperor, came from one ruling family. A prime minister and Shinto, or religious leader, held the most power. -
Jan 1, 744
Uighur Empire Founded
The Uighurs were a group of Turks that controlled inner Asia. The Uighurian culture combined Chinese and Islamic ideas. Caravan cities like Kashgar appeared and were highly literate. The people made good merchants and could transcribe many different languages though they primarily used a syllabic script. The empie collapsed after half of a century. -
Jan 1, 751
Battle of the Talas River
The Tang empire was defeated by Arab Muslims at the Battle of the Talas River. The battle occured in central Asia in present day Kyrgyzstan. Up until this point, the Tang armies were undefeatable because of their use of stirrups, horsemen, armored infantrymen, and crossbows in battle. -
Jan 1, 879
Huang Chao Rebellion
Huang Chao, a gentry member, led a rebellion from 879 to 881 to protest against the opressive elite. Many farners and tenants who wanted to escape taxes or landlords joined the rebellion. Thousands of foreigners in Canton and Beijing were murdereed for being "barbarians". Eventually, warlords took back control but many became refugees. -
Feb 2, 916
Liao Empire Founded
The Liao empire controlled from Siberia to Central Asia. The Empire had a strong military and no single elite class. Buddhism was far more prominat than Confucianism but both were popular. The military used horsemen, archers, and siege machines. They formed an alliance with the Song where the Song was forced to pay cash and silk. Eventually, the Jurchens took over the Mongolian capital and defeated the Liao in 1115. -
Feb 2, 918
Koryo Empire Founded
The house of Koryo unified the Korean penninsula after the fall of the Tang. Buddhism was supported by elites. Woodblock printing was founded under the Koryo; Printers would carve text into wood and use ink to paste it on pages. Thay also created advancements with movable type that was exchanged with China. -
Feb 2, 936
Champa
Located in southern Vietnam and a rival to the Dai Viet state in northern Vietnam. India and Malaya cultures reached Champa through trade networks. Champa held good relations with the Song Empire by volunteering tribute. Champa rice was a large staple and tribute item. They held Confucian ideals but regarded women in a higher status. -
Feb 2, 960
Song Empire Founded
The Song Empire was based in central Asia. They used seafare to trade with other parts of Asia. This helped to establish sailing and seafaring technology. Song rulers hated barbarians. Mathematicians used fractions, astronomers created a calandar, and found the Crab Nebula. Su Song created a large celestial clock that used water to keep time. Gunpowder and junks were also developed in the Song Empire. -
Feb 2, 1156
Kamakura Shogunate
A decentralitized military government based in Honushu. After the fall of the Fujiwara family, the emperor passed power off to warlords, the Kamakura. The introduction of this shogunate led to the development of a Samurai class, or warrior class. The Samurai had aristocratic values but not elitest ones.
