Golden Age of the Tang and Song Dynasties

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Golden Age of the Tang and Song Dynasties -Tang Dynasty: ruled China from AD 618-907 -Song Dynasty: ruled China from AD 960-1279 -these two dynasties were very stable and successful -they had

Golden Age during these two dynasties Achievements of the Tang and Song Golden Age Moveable Type Printing During the Tang and Song Dynasties there was much technological advancement.

The movable-type method, however, made use of reusable clay blocks imprinted with Chinese characters (words). These blocks could be rearranged into any combination.

Then, the character blocks were rearranged once again to create the next page in the book. The process was repeated until the entire book was complete.

Gunpowder Gunpowder was also invented during the Song and Tang Dynasties. Made from a combination of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal, gunpowder was used for fireworks, but also as a weapon.

Bombs of gunpowder mixed with scrap iron would be launched with catapults. Another use was fire-spurting lances, which were a kind of flame-thrower using bamboo or metal tubes for their barrels.

1 Golden Age of the Tang and Song Dynasties -Tang Dynasty: ruled China from AD Song Dynasty: ruled China from AD these two dynasties were very stable and successful -they had organized governments based on Confucian philosophy -to find the best officials for government jobs, Tang and Song emperors made use of the Civil Service Exam -The stability in government led to a Golden Age during these two dynasties Achievements of the Tang and Song Golden Age Moveable Type Printing During the Tang and Song Dynasties there was much technological advancement. One notable invention was that of moveable type. Prior to the invention of moveable type, all books were copied by hand, one-byone. This was time consuming and led to a shortage of books. The movable-type method, however, made use of reusable clay blocks imprinted with Chinese characters (words). These blocks could be rearranged into any combination. Each page of a text was printed after the necessary blocks were placed into an iron frame. Ink was rolled over the blocks and copies were made. Then, the character blocks were rearranged once again to create the next page in the book. The process was repeated until the entire book was complete. This invention made printing books faster and much easier. In addition, more books were in circulation, allowing for an increase in the amount of literate Chinese citizens. Gunpowder Gunpowder was also invented during the Song and Tang Dynasties. Made from a combination of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal, gunpowder was used for fireworks, but also as a weapon. Gunpowder was first use in warfare as an incendiary, or fire-producing, compound. Small packages of gunpowder wrapped in paper or bamboo were attached to arrows and lit with a fuse. Bombs of gunpowder mixed with scrap iron would be launched with catapults. Another use was fire-spurting lances, which were a kind of flame-thrower using bamboo or metal tubes for their barrels. By 1259, the Chinese had made a gun barrel of bamboo with fiber wrappings. Just a few years later, the first metal gun barrel recorded in history was used in China. The Europeans and Muslims later copied the Chinese model of the gun. Magnetic Compass The Chinese were using compasses to chart their course at sea almost two centuries before news of the Chinese invention reached Europe. As early as 500 B.C., the Chinese had discovered that a mineral called lodestone was magnetically attracted to iron. To create a south-pointing compass, the Chinese used a pointer-in the shape of a spoon or ladle made of magnetic lodestone and a bronze plate with directions on it. The spoon was placed on the center of the plate, where it rotated and pointed south. The device was adapted for navigation as sea. By the Tang and Song Dynasties, the spoon of the early compass was replaced by magnetized needles.

Other Technology Chinese mathematicians perfected the creation and use of the abacus during the Song Dynasty.

While it may look simple to use at first glance, the abacus was used to calculate complicated mathematical problems. (See video in class).

Powered by water, the early mechanical clock measured time based on a 24 hour cycle. Other inventors created sunglasses during the Golden Age.

If people arguing a case could read the judge s reaction in his eyes, they might alter statements to sway him.

When kite flying was first described in Chinese literature, it was a military exercise rather than a light amusement.

The Arts During the Tang and Song Dynasties the arts flourished. In particular, the Chinese mastered the art of porcelain making.

Porcelain pottery also became a product in high demand throughout the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean Trade Network.

Architecture was also important during this time. Chinese architects built Buddhist pagodas throughout China.

Money Prior to the Song and Tang Dynasties, the basic unit of currency in China was the bronze or copper coin with a hole in the center for

2 Other Technology Chinese mathematicians perfected the creation and use of the abacus during the Song Dynasty. An abacus is a beaded counting device used for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. While it may look simple to use at first glance, the abacus was used to calculate complicated mathematical problems. (See video in class). In addition to the abacus, Chinese inventors created an early form a clock. Powered by water, the early mechanical clock measured time based on a 24 hour cycle. Other inventors created sunglasses during the Golden Age. Initially sunglasses were made of thick quartz and were created to mask the eye movements and expressions of judges during court cases. If people arguing a case could read the judge s reaction in his eyes, they might alter statements to sway him. Therefore, the glasses were the perfect solution to mask the judge s expression. Finally, kites were created during this Golden Age. When kite flying was first described in Chinese literature, it was a military exercise rather than a light amusement. Initially, kites were used during battle to send messages across the battlefield. Only later were kites used for entertainment. The Arts During the Tang and Song Dynasties the arts flourished. In particular, the Chinese mastered the art of porcelain making. Used for pottery, porcelain was elaborately decorated and used throughout China. Porcelain pottery also became a product in high demand throughout the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean Trade Network. Chinese landscape paintings were also quite popular. Painted on silk, landscape paintings were extremely detailed and difficult to create. Architecture was also important during this time. Chinese architects built Buddhist pagodas throughout China. These pagodas, or temples, are characterized by upturned roof edges, as seen in the picture to the far right. Money Prior to the Song and Tang Dynasties, the basic unit of currency in China was the bronze or copper coin with a hole in the center for stringing. Large transactions were calculated in terms of strings of coins, but given their weight these were cumbersome to carry long distances. The use of paper currency was initiated by merchants in the form of written receipts for goods. Eventually, however, the government took over the system and began printing the first ever paper money. Paper money became the preferred type of currency, as it was lightweight and easy to conceal. It was used along the Silk Roads and in some ports along the Indian Ocean Trade Network.

The Mongols -The Song Dynasty in China ended in the early 1200s -China was invaded by a group of people from Central Asia called the Mongols -The Mongols attacked and took over China, ending Song

temperature differences throughout the year (down to -57 in winter and up to 96 in the summer) -the steppe is not suited for farming, therefore the Mongols did not have permanent settlements -The

is great for animals -the Mongols would move their herds 5 to 10 times a year to find fresh grass -Mongols were very well adapted to live on the move -Mongols were dependent upon their horses for so

3 The Mongols -The Song Dynasty in China ended in the early 1200s -China was invaded by a group of people from Central Asia called the Mongols -The Mongols attacked and took over China, ending Song rule -The Mongol people were from the central Asian steppe lands; north of China -Steppe is an area of very dry grasslands -there is very little rainfall, it is very windy and there are dramatic temperature differences throughout the year (down to -57 in winter and up to 96 in the summer) -the steppe is not suited for farming, therefore the Mongols did not have permanent settlements -The Mongols were nomadic pastoralists -meaning that they herded domesticated animals (like horse, sheep and goat) and migrated to areas with good pasture land to feed their herds -the grass on the steppe is great for animals -the Mongols would move their herds 5 to 10 times a year to find fresh grass -Mongols were very well adapted to live on the move -Mongols were dependent upon their horses for so much -horses provided transportation, milk, meat, clothing and materials for housing -Mongols lived in tent-like structures called yurts -the yurt was very transportable -it could be taken down and set up in less than one hour

The Rise of the Mongols -Originally, Mongol people lived in clan (family) groups -However, one man united all clan groups by defeating some in battle and making alliances with others -his name was

the Mongols took control of China and Central Asia in 20 years -Reasons for Genghis Khan s military success: 1.

clear chain of -and within the company, squads of 10 command -also, every Mongol person was well trained on horseback -it has been said that Mongol children learn to ride a horse before they learn to

4 The Rise of the Mongols -Originally, Mongol people lived in clan (family) groups -However, one man united all clan groups by defeating some in battle and making alliances with others -his name was Genghis Khan; his name means universal ruler -Genghis Khan had a vision that he would rule the entire world -He mobilized the Mongol people for war in order to fulfill this dream -Under Genghis Khan, the Mongols took control of China and Central Asia in 20 years -Reasons for Genghis Khan s military success: 1. Well trained and organized armies -armies were made up of 10,000 men -with in each army, there were brigades of 1,000 men -There was a strong -within a brigade there were 100 men in a company and clear chain of -and within the company, squads of 10 command -also, every Mongol person was well trained on horseback -it has been said that Mongol children learn to ride a horse before they learn to walk -therefore, they were naturally skilled at warfare on horseback 2. Strategy -surprise attacks -his armies would ride all night and all day, covering up to 100 miles -they would attack before anyone knew they were coming -cities could not defend themselves fast enough -fake retreats -to trick opposing forces, the Mongol horsemen would retreat -as the enemy would follow, the Mongols would turn around and fire arrows or lead enemies into a trap of hidden archers 3. Psychological Warfare -would send scouts ahead to spread stories about the Mongol armies and how ruthless they were in order to scare people -would burn down entire cities and murder entire populations -the world from China to Europe lived in fear of the Mongols -Genghis Khan died in 1227, but his armies continued conquering land -by 1250 the Mongols conquered all of China, Korea, Russia, India and Persia -this is the largest empire that the world has ever seen

The Mongols Impact on China -In AD 1260 the grandson of Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan, took control of the Khanate of the Great Khan -remember the Khanate of the Great Khan included Mongolia, Korea and

Khan -Genghis Khan lived his entire life on the steppe of Mongolia -Kublai Khan preferred life in China with palaces and more luxury -Kublai valued trade along the Silk Roads and wanted people from

5 The Mongols Impact on China -In AD 1260 the grandson of Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan, took control of the Khanate of the Great Khan -remember the Khanate of the Great Khan included Mongolia, Korea and China -color the Khanate of the Great Khan in on the map below -When Kublai Khan began his rule in China he formed a new dynasty: The Yuan Dynasty -Kublai Khan was not like his grandfather, Genghis Khan -Genghis Khan lived his entire life on the steppe of Mongolia -Kublai Khan preferred life in China with palaces and more luxury -Kublai valued trade along the Silk Roads and wanted people from all over the world to come to the empire -Kublai valued the opinions and ideas of non-mongolian people -he had people of various ethnicities (Persian, European, etc.) and religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Daoism) advise him on matters of government and culture -one person of note who Kublai Khan trusted was Marco Polo

-Kublai Khan liked Marco Polo so much that he was asked to serve in the Khan s government -for 17 years, Marco Polo worked for Kublai Khan -in AD 1295, Marco Polo returned to Italy where he proceeded

6 MARCO POLO a real person! (NOT the game you play in the pool) -Marco Polo was a merchant from Venice, Italy -in AD 1271, Marco Polo and his father traveled from Venice, Italy to China -When they arrived, they met Kublai Khan -Kublai Khan liked Marco Polo so much that he was asked to serve in the Khan s government -for 17 years, Marco Polo worked for Kublai Khan -in AD 1295, Marco Polo returned to Italy where he proceeded to write down the stories of his adventures in China -his stories were published and Europeans were fascinated by the stories -his book was entitled The Description of the World -as a result, more Europeans became interested in China and traveled there -Today, these stories provide historians with primary source documents about China under the rule of Kublai Khan What happened to the Mongol Empire? -Kublai Khan ruled the Mongol empire and the Yuan Dynasty in China from AD 1260 to AD During his rule, Kublai Khan attempted to invade neighboring Japan twice -both times he was unsuccessful due to strong storms in the Pacific Ocean -the losses to the Japanese greatly weakened the Mongol s military strength, as well as the treasury of the Mongol Empire -After the death of Kublai Khan in 1294, Mongol power declined in China -people saw that the Mongols were NOT invincible -The Chinese people revolted against the Mongols -The Chinese formed a rebel army that was able to push the Mongols out of China in The Mongols lost power in the other regions of the Empire: -The Ilkhanate (Persia) ended in The Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia) ended in the 1370s -The Khante of the Golden Horde (Russia) ended in 1502

The Ming Dynasty in China -Kublai Khan ruled China from AD 1260 to AD 1294 -During his rule, Kublai Khan attempted to invade neighboring Japan twice -both times he was unsuccessful due to strong

power declined in China -The Chinese people revolted against the Mongols -The Chinese formed a rebel army that was able to push the Mongols out of China in 1368 -Once the Mongols left China, a new

7 The Ming Dynasty in China -Kublai Khan ruled China from AD 1260 to AD During his rule, Kublai Khan attempted to invade neighboring Japan twice -both times he was unsuccessful due to strong storms in the Pacific Ocean -the losses to the Japanese greatly weakened the Mongol s military strength, as well as the treasury of the Mongol Empire -After the death of Kublai Khan in 1294, Mongol power declined in China -The Chinese people revolted against the Mongols -The Chinese formed a rebel army that was able to push the Mongols out of China in Once the Mongols left China, a new dynasty began: The Ming Dynasty -the goal of the first Ming emperors was to rid China of Mongol influence -Ming emperors wanted to restore the glory that was China before foreign rule -Confucian government philosophy was restored -the civil service exam was brought back -In order to show the rest of the world that the Chinese were back in power of their lands, the Ming emperors sent Chinese ships overseas to explore and become an international presence -Notable explorer: Zheng He -he led expeditions from goals of the expeditions: 1. to show the world that the Chinese were back in power 2. to promote trade between China and other nations 3. to collect tribute (money) from lesser powers -the expeditions were huge; some with 300+ ships -Chinese ships from this time were enormous much larger than any European vessels -these huge ships are referred to as Chinese Junk Ships

-Zheng He and his crew sailed along the Indian Ocean and explored the coast of Asia, India, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa -he brought back exotic animals, such as giraffes and zebras, for

and trading ventures; Ming leaders took on an isolationist policy -a policy of isolation means that a nation closes its borders to foreigners -Why? 1.

8 -Zheng He and his crew sailed along the Indian Ocean and explored the coast of Asia, India, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa -he brought back exotic animals, such as giraffes and zebras, for the Chinese imperial zoo -Zheng He s sea voyages ended in 1433 when Ming emperors decided to ban the building of more ships -the Ming government decided that they no longer wanted to fund exploration and trading ventures; Ming leaders took on an isolationist policy -a policy of isolation means that a nation closes its borders to foreigners -Why? 1. it was expensive to maintain huge fleets of ships 2. Ming leaders believed that Chinese civilization/goods were far superior 3. saw outsiders as a potential threat to Chinese rule of China -fear of another invasion, similar to the Mongol invasion 4. desire to preserve ancient traditions and ideas; did not want foreign influence

China and Mongols: Significant Changes

China and Mongols: Significant Changes Lesson 3, Unit 9 Objectives & Key Terms Describe China s accomplishments under the Tang and Song dynasties Illustrate the changes that occurred after the Mongol invasion