The Tang Dynasty

ancient China · golden age · empire

Ruled for 289 years. The Tang Dynasty lasted from 618 to 907 CE, making it one of the longest and most powerful dynasties in Chinese history. This gave them centuries to build incredible cities, art, and technology.

Biggest empire yet. Tang emperors used military skill to expand China's territory even larger than the famous Han Dynasty that came before them. Their empire stretched across vast lands and included many different peoples.

Culture burst with creativity. The Tang Dynasty is remembered as a golden age when poets, painters, musicians, and inventors did amazing work. People from all over the world came to Tang cities to trade, learn, and share ideas.

Cosmopolitan cities thrived. Major Tang cities like Chang'an (modern day Xi'an) became the largest cities on Earth, with people from dozens of countries living and working together. This mix of cultures made Tang civilization incredibly rich and inventive.

Advances in everything. The Tang Dynasty saw major progress in printing, poetry, painting, government, and ceramics. Many inventions and ideas from this era spread along the Silk Road and changed the world.