China Civ Lecture 8: Division, Sui, and early Tang

Six Dynasties / Age of Division

Period of political fragmentation after Han, featuring northern and southern states and major cultural transformations.

Northern Wei

Non-Han Xianbei-led dynasty that adopted many Chinese governing institutions and promoted Buddhism.

Buddhism in China

Religion originating in India that spread through transregional networks and transformed Chinese ritual, art, and philosophy.

Sui Reunification

Restoration of imperial unity in 589 after centuries of division; foundation for Tang governance.

Grand Canal

Major waterway expanded under Sui, connecting northern political centers to southern agricultural resources.

Tang Dynasty

Cosmopolitan empire from 618 to 907 known for strong institutions, cultural exchange, and territorial expansion.

Chang'an

Tang capital and major cosmopolitan center of trade, religion, diplomacy, and elite culture.

Tang Code

Legal system combining imperial authority with Confucian hierarchy, kinship obligations, and graded punishments.

Equal-Field System

State allocation of farmland to households to support taxation, military service, and agricultural stability.

Fubing System

Tang militia system linking military service to landholding and household obligations.

Three Departments and Six Ministries

Imperial administrative structure dividing policy formulation, review, and execution among central institutions.

Emperor Taizong

Early Tang emperor associated with military consolidation, effective administration, and pragmatic rulership.