Tang+-+Purple

China's Golden Age: The Tang Dynasty 618-907 A.D

__//**T**//__rade and **//__A__//**rt, **//__N__//** ot a bad start! //**__G__**//overnment too? **//__TANG__//** IS FOR YOU!!!!! // By Julia L, Rebecca S, Ryan D, Jonathan S, and Michelle D //

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 * //We're the Tang Dynasty//**
 * //That's where YOU want to be//**
 * //Had a successful bureaucracy//**
 * //Ran our government efficiently//**
 * //And we aced diplomacy//**

// "Marked by strong and benevolent rule, successful diplomatic relationships, economic expansion, and a cultural efflorescence of cosmopolitan style, Tang China emerged as one of the greatest empires in the medieval world." //

As a peasant, are you tired of having no land to work and still having to pay taxes? As an aristocrat, tired of the nepotism? Want an all-in-one solution? Look no further! We've got it right here- in the Tang. Yepp, you've all heard that name before, so what exactly is it? A simple solution always right in sight, come and have a go- you'll love the Tang, or should we say... The Golden Age of China.

The greatness of the Tang dynasty can't really be expressed in a few words, but to summarize: As they say, it is the "Golden age" of China, the most brilliant and strongest dynasty, unprecedented by any other. This age of prosperity with its success in politics and diplomacy, the economy, military strength, expansion of culture, rulers, and peasants role, are like a buy one get it all sort of package! A good deal, for sure! Only available for a limited time between 618 CE and 907 CE so hurry up and order now! This product includes: a highly refined and sophisticated examination system, a vast empire, strong military from money taxed sponsored by allotments given to peasants, first-rate emperors/empresses, social and economic growth, Confucianism, development of art (poetry, ceramics, and sculpture), expansion of trade, and printing of books (which of course means sharing of ideas!) All of which contribute to the glorious age of the Tang!



// Benefits of the Grand Canal //

For the first time ever, one can travel easily from the north to the south of China... want to know how? The Grand Canal! Linking the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, boats can safely journey to places in China that were unreachable by boat until the construction of the Grand Canal. Travel for you and the military can flow much easier- Think about it, important cities and many towns are now connected and accessible to all...we have been unified, and with easy military travel, we are safer too! The canal also allows for food to be transported from farms to you, as well as multiple trade goods, the latest locally and internationally//. Only the best in the Tang Dynasty- where we make everything as convenient as possible!//





// Tang Peasant Connections //

The Tang dynasty was the golden age for both peasants and aristocrats. For the first time, peasants were more involved in government related activities- a big improvement from the past! For example, trade expansion allowed peasants to be directly involved and participate in trade through trade networks such as the Silk Road. Under Empress Wu, the first empress of china, equal land distribution and allotments allowed for agricultural reform and economic growth because it gave life plots (land to farm for a living) to peasant farmers. Consequently, the peasants had money to pay the taxes & dues that were implemented so the government benefited just as much so they would have money to make the dynasty flourish and bloom even more! Later on, towards the end of the dynasty, the land allotments would get smaller and smaller as the population rose, but the taxes on the peasants would remain the same. So in consequence, some peasants fled and the government's income decreased, as did the military base. But actually, that is proof of success! The only way population numbers could ever rise to that extent is if the dynasty itself is successful and can support that type of growth. Not only that, but in addition, peasants were part of the military as infantry at forts in the south of China. The only side effect was that due to some warfare and internal turmoil they had a somewhat difficult life and were not completely satisfied. Because of this, Wang Hsien and Huang Chao decided to attempt to capture China, leading to peasant uprisings in 860 CE. But that's okay, because in 885 CE the Tang restored order once again even with the war ensueing.



// Revival of the Silk Road // The Silk Road... a magnificent pathway connecting China to the Mediterranean. Riches are made along this path for hundreds of merchants during the Tang Dynasty. Contrary to its name, the Silk Road does not just make silk merchants rich, gold and ivory merchants also found their fortune dealing with the Mediterranean peoples. The Tang Dynasty is the first dynasty since the Han that was able to use the Silk Road, and they used it to the fullest! The Silk Road did more than just increase the wealth of the Tang merchants. The Tang have their capital city, Changan, located at the beginning of the Silk Road. This leads to an incredibly diverse culture with the city being called home by more than 5000 foreigners in addition to a population of nearly two million! The Silk Road is also key to the introduction of Buddhism into China, because it is used to bring hundreds of scriptures into China from India. Additionally, the Silk Road is key to exchange of ideas from the Chinese to the Mediterranean and vice verse. Of course with such expansive trade and the cultural diffusion brought by the Silk Road, the Tang's success just can't stop increasing! Merchants, if you have any business sense, the Tang dynasty is where you want to be!

// Empress Wu //

For the first time ever, a woman controls China. And now, //YOU// can become part of this historic event. Just come join the Tang dynasty! Wu Zetian, a former member of a Buddhist convent, ceased control of the throne in 660 AD, after Emperor Gaozong suffered a stroke. But this strong woman's greatness doesn't stop at a historic first. As capable of a leader as China has seen in years, Empress, Wu has greatly strengthened the military. She shows no mercy in eliminating enemy civilizations. Additionally, she is helping balance out power from the greedy aristocratic families of the northwest, and replacing them with leaders justified through the examination system. She also played an integral role in religious education, establishing schools for both Buddhism and Confucian. This is definitely a woman you want to have on your side!!!

// Ceramics //

Becoming part of a culturally and artistically diverse society is easy, and only involves a few simple steps. You could go about it waiting in hour long lines for art museums, or trying to meet Picasso himself, however there is a much simpler solution. Visit the Tang dynasty! The Tang dynasty was a golden age for ceramics. Imagine this… walking down the street and seeing elaborate ceramic sculptures decorating incredible temples. Or seeing ceramic horses and camels on display in markets embellished in bright glazes, along with traditional vases, ceramic tomb guardians, and court ladies. All of this decorated with the finest quality paint pigments, usually amber, green, and yellow. There is no denying that the Tang Dynasty is the way to get exposure to the arts, especially the finest art around!





// Poetry //

Can Tang China get any better? Although it is hard to believe, it still can. Tang China is "rightfully ranked as the classical period of Chinese art and literature." The standards that Tang China set for poetry were high, and really pushed later poets to their full potential. Li Bo, Du Fu, and Wu Daozi were among those who increased the level of quality. Their poems expressed everything from everyday life, social justice, love of nature and experiences of the court and military campaigns. This should definitely be checked out by any literature fans!

// Examination System // Do you want to know that you and your family are protected by the government and can trust them? Well congratulations, the search can finally stop. Here is a little background information on one of the most selective and efficient government employee systems- the examination system. First of all, there are government schools in the capital, as well as preparation institutions in many districts. The most talented students will be nominated and brought to take the exam created by the Ministry of Rites. After this, there are two chief academic degrees 1. The Xiucai- or flowering talent -that will deal with current political issues. 2. The Jinshi- or presented scholar. Once the jinshi title has been obtained, the student will take a second examination held by the Ministry of Personnel. This will test them on physical looks, verbal eloquence and written answers. This system creates an able and qualified bureaucracy, filled with the most talented and capable people to run the government. Additionally, the nation is intellectually unified because of this system. All who want to be in the government must know the same material, since they are being tested on the same thing, so important facts are widespread.

//Bibliography://

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//World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras//, s.v. "East Meets West: The Silk Road (Overview)," accessed January 4, 2011. http://ancienthistory.abc-clio.com/. (I used the citation abc-clio gave because I couldn't really tell what the reading was from)

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Tang Dynasty: Imperial Unity and Cultural Achievement (Overview)." //<span style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras //.ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.

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