Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key rulers, features, political developments, and economic changes of the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties.

Sui Dynasty

The dynasty that unified China after 3000 years of disorder and civil war following the Han Dynasty.

Sui Yangdi

A cruel ruler who completed the Grand Canal; his forced labor, high taxes, and luxurious lifestyle led to rebellion and his murder.

Grand Canal

A waterway completed by Sui Yangdi that linked the Huang He (yellow river) and the Yangtze River.

Tang Dynasty

The dynasty that expanded the empire and marked the start of the Golden Age, but was eventually overthrown after losing the Mandate of Heaven due to high taxes, famine, lawlessness, and growing too big.

Song Dynasty

A dynasty during which the Golden Age continued with a considerably smaller empire, became smaller still upon losing northern territory, and overcorrected on military spending by not spending enough.

Wu Zhao

The first female empress of China, who ruled during the era of political expansion under the Tang Dynasty.

Civil Service exams

Examinations reinstated during political developments to rebuild and expand the bureaucracy.

Korea (Tang era)

A territory that became a tributary state as the empire expanded under the Tang Dynasty.

Silk Road

A major trade route that was expanded as an economic development during this period.