1. China during the Sui,
Tang, & Song Dynasties
Sui 589-618
Tang 618-907
Song 960 -1279
2. Background
After the fall of the Han Empire in
220 c.e., northern China was
controlled by Central Asian & Tibetan
nomads; no group in southern China
was strong enough to control the
entire region (30 dynasties in about
300 years claimed the Mandate of
Heaven).
For 350 years, regional rule was the
political reality.
3. Background
By 589, the first
emperor of the Sui
dynasty had
forcefully reunited
northern and
southern China
once again.
The foundations for
the Tang & Song
Dynasties were
laid.
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9. “A Golden Age”
China during the Tang and Song
dynasties enjoyed
political stability
economic growth
intellectual & artistic
achievement
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15. Even though there were many changes,
Chinese culture retained many of its
characteristics from earlier dynasties.
Confucianism remained a foundation of society
and culture.
China continued to be superior in many
advancements, in technology, and ideas to
other areas of the world.
Power of the emperor & scholar-bureaucracy
16. Written language
was separate from
spoken languages
The social class
structure and
gender roles
remained relatively
constant.
17. CHARACTERISTICS
OF CHINA
DURING THE SUI, TANG, and
SONG DYNASTIES
18. Politics & Government
The frontiers were stabilized & attempts
at expansion were partially successful.
Centralized government returned along
with a bureaucracy of trained civil
servants.
19. Agriculture in Tang & Song China
Agricultural production improved & crop
specialization intensified with improved
infrastructure, iron implements, and
printing.
printing
New crop –
Champa rice –
Could be harvested twice
20. INDUSTRY &
TRADE
China continued to
be a main producer
of . . .
Silk (though monopoly was lost)
Porcelain
Metals
China began cotton, tea, and sugar
production and export.
21. TRADE
Regional trade
improved due to
improved
infrastructure
Indian Ocean trade
increased with
Tang control over
coastal Southern
China
Silk Road trade
increased
22.
23. Finance
Banking and Credit system (flying
money)
Government issued paper money.
Growth of cities led to growth of
industry, trade, and the empires’
economy
24. Social Classes
Landowners (landed gentry) were at the
top of the social class system.
Scholar-bureaucrats (scholar gentry) &
military leaders were also in upper-class.
Merchants and artisans could acquire a
great deal of wealth - but were in the
lower classes.
25. Gender Roles
Women’s status slowly declined
(despite attempts at reform by
several empresses).
The Song Period saw women
at a very low social status.
Evidence: Seclusion, lack
of property rights,
exclusion from education, &
FOOTBINDING.
26. From Ning Lao T'ai-t'ai
“A girl's beauty and desirability were
counted more by the size of her feet
than by the beauty of her face.
Matchmakers were not asked, 'Is she
beautiful?' but 'How small are her
feet?' A plain face is given by
heaven but poorly bound feet are a
sign of laziness.”
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30. Technology and Innovation
First chain driven mechanism - the clock
(1088)
Gunpowder
Paper production and block printing
techniques were invented and then
advanced—moveable type.
Boat building and navigational
technology was more advanced than the
rest of the world.
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32. Other Advancements included:
Tang and Song China had some of
the largest cities in the world.
(Hangzhou=2 MILLION people!!!)
Song Chinese were the first to use
fractions in computations and
equations.
Solar year was accurately measured
Doctors in Song China compiled and
printed medical texts
33. In terms of advancements, innovations,
and knowledge, China benefited from
centuries of Chinese scholarship and
technology.
Influences from other parts of the world
(especially during the Tang period) also
had a considerable effect.
