Tang+Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty From Empress Wu to Po Chu, The Tang Dynasty is the investment for you. The Tang Dynasty of China was in power from 618-907. In that time, they brought China to an unparalleled period of prosperity. Arts flourished, politics stabilized, trade was profitable, and borders expanded. Much was achieved by the many able and stable rulers. The Tang Dynasty is the result when political stability, fruitful commerce, social equality and a powerful military are combined into one dynasty.

Empress Wu Under Empress Wu, The civilization of China entered one of it's greatest periods of prosperity and advancement. Empress Wu was born in AD 625 and died in the year AD 712. She ruled from AD 629 until her death in AD 712. She was the concubine of the second and third Tang Emporers. After the Third one's death, she took over his political duties for the next twenty years. She firmly established Tang rule by forcefully removing all political figures opposed to her rule. Among her acheivements were the defeat of Korea, establishing them as a loyal vassal state. This helped to expand the borders and create a steady trade partner. Under Wu, there was also a great amount of cultural growth. Notable poets who arose under Empress Wu were Li Po and Po Chu. Lastly, she enhanced the examination system in order to greater involve citizens in the government. Empress Wu's spectacular reign is one the main reasons why the Tang Dynasty is a solid investment. If you're looking for military power, stable politics, intellectual development and a government everyone can be a part of, Wu is the choice for you.

Examination System Part of the Tang Dynasty's legacy was their enhancement of the Examination System of China. The Examination System was established and developed by earlier dynasties, but perfected by the Tang. The Examination System was a system designed to recruit civil servants for work in the government. One who applies for work in the Imperial Civil Service must pass multiple levels of examination starting at a local level and extending to the final Palace examination. This creates a Meritocratic government, or one based one what one has achieved, rather than an aristocratic government, or one led by those who are wealthy enough to buy themselves power. This creates a more fair opportunity for normal citizens to participate in government while at the same time it makes sure that the empire is being handled by those capable of fulfilling the responsibilities. While other dynasties possessed this exam, the Tang improved upon it greatly. When buying a dynasty, you want a stable government that also provides it's citizens with opportunities. With the Tang Dynasty's Examination system, That is exactly what you'll get.

Poetry and Ceramics During the Tang Dynasty the arts flourished. Two prominent art forms during the period were poetry and ceramics. Poetry in the Tang was considered the golden age of Chinese poetry. It became central to Chinese culture. Many of the rulers were either lovers of poetry or poets themselves. Empress Wu even placed it in the examination system, making it a requirement for government officials to be able to write poetry. There were 4 periods of poetic development. The second one was considered the most celebrated one. Poets that arose during this time included Li Po and Tu fu, two of the most famous Chinese poets. During the Tang dynasty, ceramics were said to have progressed dramatically. During the period they furthered techniques created in earlier dynasties as well as developing new techniques of their own. Ceramics and Poetry were incredibly important to the Tang Dynasty. They helped to create the period of peace and prosperity that existed during this period. If you are looking to invest in a peaceful dynasty with citizens, then you should choose the Tang.





Da Yunhe

The Tang Dynasty recieved many benefits from the Grand Canal (also called the Da Yunhe). In fact, It was one of the most important factors leading to the Tang Dynasty's incredible success. One of it's benefits was it reduced the cost of shipping grain grown in the south up to the north. This had great economic benefits because shipping 149,685,400 kilograms of grain annually can become quite an expensive endeavor. The connection also allowed for a more unified empire because it connected the peasant farmers in the south to the city-dwellers in the north. Also, the Grand Canal affected cities that lied upon it. An example of this is Yangzhou. Because of its position on the canal, it became one of the main economical hubs of the Tang Dynasty. Lastly, the grand canal allowed for more profitable foreign trade because it increased the speed at which products could be shipped to trading posts. These trading posts could then send the products to places such as India and Persia. Do you like big money? If so, The Tang is the way to go.

Silk Road

The Silk Road is one of the most important trade features of China. During the Tang Dynasty, it came under it's golden age. Along the road, ideas and goods were exchanged at a rate never seen before and never to be seen again after the end of the dynasty. Also, the Silk Road also contributed to the spread of buddhism in the empire. The Chinese traveler Xuan Zhuang followed the road to india and picked up many Buddhist texts and ideas. This inspired him to build the Great Goose Pagoda in Chang'an. This anecdote shows how ideas could be exchanged along the road. Things from religon to technology could pass from one civilization to another. Lastly, the road brought in big bucks for the Tang. They were able to trade goods and make quite a large profit. Using this money they could fund other important projects. With the silk road as part of the package, there is no better dynasty to put your money on than the Tang.

Middle Class Connections

The Middle Class was very connected to the workings of the dynasty. One example is the citizens in the southern farmland. They produced grain which was essential for the survival of other citizens. Also, the middle class could play a large role in the government by utilizing the examination systems. They could become civil officials and have an important role in decisions that governmental figures make. If you just an average citizen yet still want to be important to the people in charge, then you want to be a part of the Tang Dynasty.

Bibliography

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2. Knechtges, David R. "Tang Poetry - Introduction." //Hornbill Skyline The Chinese Literature Of Borneo 婆罗洲岛的文学世界 犀鸟天地主页//. Hornbill, 4 Jan. 1998. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. .

3. Unknown. "Chinese Imperial Examination System." //Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU)//. SACU, 4 Feb. 2002. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. .

4. Unknown. "Tang Pottery from China." //Asian Art Mall//. Asian Art Mall. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. .

5. Unknown. "World History, Ancient and Medival Era." //Ancienthistory.com//. Abc-clio. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. .