#401 World of the Tang

Wrap up presentations

Reflection

​Historical image analysis: How does this sixteenth Japanese rendering of the period between the Han and Sui tell us about the changes during this period?

• Sui reunited country through conquest in 581.
  
  • Most remarkable for construction of the Grand Canal, portions of which are still in use today.
    
  • Military adventures in Korea led indirectly to dynasty’s collapse after less than forty years.
    
• Succeeding Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties viewed in different ways as “Golden Age” due to:
  
  • Great cities (Tang capital at Chang’an) and great commercial centers (the Song capitals at Kaifeng and Hangzhou),
    
  • Cultural sophistication (Tang poetry and Song pottery),
    
  • Invention (tea, gunpowder, movable-type printing)