AP World 13.1

Sui Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that emerged in the early 580s, marked by the reunification of China under Emperor Wendi.

Yang Jian

Also known as Wendi, he was the founder of the Sui dynasty who united northern China and initiated significant reforms.

Wendi

Title taken by Yang Jian, meaning 'Literary Emperor', who lowered taxes and established granaries.

Chen Kingdom

A southern dynasty that was conquered by Wendi in 589, leading to the reunification of China.

Granaries

Storage facilities for grain created by Wendi to provide a reserve food supply during crop failures.

Yangdi

Second member of Sui dynasty; murdered his father to gain throne; restored Confucian examination system; responsible for construction of Chinese canal system; assassinated in 618 (Simple: the son of Wendi, emperor of the Sui dynasty known for his extravagant construction projects and military campaigns)

Luoyang

The new capital city built by Yangdi, requiring massive labor from peasant conscripts.

Jinshi

Title granted to students who passed the most difficult Chinese examination on all of Chinese literature; became immediate dignitaries and eligible for high office. (Simple: The highest degree in the imperial examination system, which, if attained, secured a prestigious position in the bureaucracy)

Li Yuan

Also known as Duke of Tang; minister for Yangdi; took over empire following assassination of Yangdi; first emperor of Tang dynasty; took Imperial title of Gaozu. (Simple: Duke of Tang, a key figure in the rise of the Tang dynasty, who later became the first emperor)

Tang Taizong

The second emperor of the Tang dynasty, known for his military conquests and consolidation of power.

Confucian Education

Educational reforms during the Tang dynasty aimed at training state officials in Confucian principles.

Meritocracy

A system where advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, promoted through the examination system.

Empress Wu

Tang ruler 690-705 C.E. in China; supported Buddhist establishment; tried to elevate Buddhism to state religion; had multistory statues of Buddha created

Buddhism

A major religion that thrived in China during the Tang era, particularly supported by rulers but faced backlash later.

Anti-Buddhist Backlash

A movement against Buddhism in the late Tang period that resulted in the destruction of monasteries and persecution of monks.

Chang’an

Capital of Tang dynasty; population of 2 million, larger than any other city in the world at that time.

Ministry of Rites

Administered examinations to students from Chinese government schools or those recommended by distinguished scholars. 

Zen/Chan Buddhism

Known as Chan Buddhism in China; Known as Zen in Japan; stressed meditation and the appreciation of natural and artistic beauty; popular with members of elite Chinese society. 

Pure land Buddhism

Emphasized salvationist aspects of Chinese Buddhism; popular among masses of Chinese society