3.+The+birth+of+a+new+dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was a monumental age of growth and development for China. It was founded by the Li Family in 618 who had conspired against the Royal Family of the previous dynasty (Sui) and seized the thrown (June 18, 618). Under the rule of these new families, China thrived. The population skyrocketed from an estmated 50,000,000 people to 80,000,000. The Tang era was an era of religious diversity and tolerance. Religions practiced in the region included Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Zorowastrianism. However, it remained primarily Buddhism.

The Tang Dynasty Capital of Chang'an is just one of the dynasty's finest accomplishments. Chang'an (modern day Xi'an) was the most populous city of its time and has been called the Golden Age of Chinese Cosmopolitan Culture. People from Central Asia, Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, and Tibet inhabited Chang'an. This degree of magnetation and immense population growth can be attributed to Chag'an's economic power and potential. The Tang Dynasty also inheritted the Grand Canal of China (Beijing Honzhou Grand Canal) which became its great economic hub. To this day, this canal remains the longest artificial river of its time in the World at 1,115 miles. Durring the Tang Dynasty, the canal became the official headquarters for government salt monopoly. It also provided the transport of goods North at considerably lower rates and faster speeds. When the rates that had been imposed upon traders earlier in the form of taxes were reduced, more people could get involved with trade and achieve economical growth. The Silk Road was also used at that time. Above: Grand Canal of China

All was not milk and honey within this great empire. The Dynasty had its share of hardships. One of the mosat famous of these was the An Shi Rebelion. Under the leadership and direction of the General An Lushan, an army invaded and captured Beijing. General An Lushan spread eastward where he was met by the Tang Army which was much larger. The rebelion was successfuly squashed in a bloody battle. 36,000,000 people were presumed dead though.