Rise and Fall of Sui Dynasty

The Sui Dynasty Emerges Under Emperor Wen

581

After the death of Emperor Xuan, a Northern Zhou official by the name of Yang Jian defeats general Yuchi Jiong, seizes power, kills fifty-nine Zhou princes, and establishes the Sui Dynasty as Emperor Wen. Picture Source: http://history.cultural-china.com/en/46History9787.html

The New Capital of Daxing is Born

582

Intrigued by newly acquired territory located to the southeast of the crumbling city of Chang'an, Emperor Wen orders the construction of Daxing: a new capital several times larger than Chang'an that quickly became a center for Chinese arts. Picture Source: http://www.ancient-china-history.com/xian-china.html

Chen is Defeated, China is Unified

589

After gathering together 518,000 soldiers along the Yangtze River, Emperor Wen orders them to invade Nanjing, the capital of the Chen Dynasty. The troops quickly destroy the city, force the Chen emperor to surrender, and finally unify China for the first time in centuries. Picture Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sui_dynasty

Khaganate is Divided, Sui Gains Surrounding Territory

Apr 10, 603

Upon realizing the immense threat the Turkic Khaganate possed to China, Emperor Wen uses clever diplomatic maneuvers to split the Khaganate into two halves. Then, after launching numerous military strikes, the Sui gain control of key territories in Turkistan and Mongolia that would go on to deter the Khaganate from invading. Source Pic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sui_dynasty

Wen Dies, Emperor Yang Rises

Apr 10, 604

After the deaths of Emperor Wen and his eldest son, his youngest son, Yang Guang, assumes the throne as Emperor Yang. It is believed by many historians that Yang Guang ordered the assassinations of his father and brother, though there is no concrete evidence of this. Picture Source: https://www.pinterest.com/poromi_ching/sui-dynasty-%E9%9A%8B/

Emperor Yang Defeats the Tuguhun

Apr 10, 608

After being invaded by the Tuguhun people, Emperor Yang retaliates, defeats their military, and proceeds to establish several districts in their province to maintain power over the Tuguhun citizenry. Picture Source: http://www.bestchinanews.com/History/4653.html

Emperor Yang Invades Korea, Signs of Rebellion Emerge

Apr 10, 612

In an attempt to increase the size of his empire, Emperor Yang sends his military to Goguryeo, one of the three formidable kingdoms of Korea. This campaign (as well as the two that followed it) fails miserably and results in the destruction of many Chinese cities. As a result of this, agitated citizens begin to speak of rebellion. Picture Source: https://www.emaze.com/@AFIFCZQW/The-Three-Kingdoms

The Rebellion Makes Major Strides

Apr 10, 617

Despite the warnings of his closest advisers, Emperor Yang leaves the capital and heads South. Meanwhile, a rebel army rises, captures key supply facilities near Luoyang, and gain support across the nation. Picture Source: http://www.chinesetimeschool.com/en-us/articles/tang-dynasty/

Emperor Yang is Assassinated

Apr 10, 618

Upon seeing the chaos and destruction brought about by the rebel forces (as well as Emperor Yang's failure to stop them), one of Yang's advisers assassinates him. Riots proceed to break out across the nation as rebel forces increase their numbers. Picture Source: https://wordsonstone.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/chinese-memorials/

The Sui Dynasty Collapses

Apr 11, 618

Despite his best efforts, Gongdi, the successor of Emperor Yang, fails to quell the rebellions across China and is unable to unite the nation. As rebellions morph into more formal, capable factions and gain more power, the Sui dynasty officially collapses. Picture Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-01/04/content_19227363.htm