China Civ Lecture 9: Tang decline and Eurasian transformations

Tibetan Empire

Major Tang-era rival in Inner Asia, competing for territory, trade routes, and regional influence.

Songtsen Gampo

Tibetan ruler associated with imperial expansion, Buddhism, and diplomatic ties with Tang China.

Princess Wencheng

Tang princess married into the Tibetan royal family; symbol of diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Abbasid Caliphate

Major Islamic empire that competed and interacted with Tang interests across Central Asia.

Battle of Talas

751 conflict involving Tang and Abbasid-led forces, illustrating Eurasian rivalry over Central Asia.

An Lushan Rebellion

Massive conflict beginning in 755 that devastated Tang authority, finances, population, and military institutions.

Decline of Equal-Field System

Erosion of land allocation and household taxation as land concentration and upheaval weakened Tang institutions.

Tang Salt Monopoly

State control and taxation of salt used to raise revenue after the An Lushan Rebellion.

Southern Population Shift

Long-term movement of China's population and economic center toward rice-growing southern regions.

Tang Warlordism

Rise of regional military governors whose autonomy weakened central imperial authority.

Decline of Central Asian Connections

Political instability and shifting Eurasian power reduced some Tang-era overland exchanges.