The Song Dynasty
In 960, a scholarly general named Zhao Kuangyin reunited much of China and founded the Song (sung) dynasty. The Song ruled for 319 years, slightly longer than the Tang, but they controlled less territory than the Tang. The Song also faced the constant threat of invaders in the north. In the early 1100s, the battered Song retreated south of the Huang River. There, the southern Song continued to rule for another 150 years. However, in the late 1200s Mongol invaders from the north attacked and overthrew the Song.
The Song Dynasty
The invention of gunpowder made possible the cannon, such as this one with a dragon head at its mouth.
An Ordered Society
Under the Tang and Song, China was a well-ordered society. At its head was the emperor, whose court was filled with aristocratic families. The court stood at the center of a huge bureaucracy from which officials fanned out to every province and county in China. The bureaucracy oversaw China’s huge population, made up of the gentry, or wealthy landowners, and peasants.
An Ordered Society
Candidates take the rigorous civil service exam during the Song dynasty. Students studied for years in preparation for the exam, which usually led to an honored position as a civil servant in the bureaucracy.
The Rich Culture of Tang and Song China
A prosperous economy supported the rich culture of Tang and Song China. Writers produced brilliant works of poetry and prose, while the works of artists survived the centuries.
The Rich Culture of Tang and Song China
Song paintings emphasized the Daoist belief in the importance of harmony with nature. Paintings often portrayed a harmonious blend of trees, mountains, and rivers.
The Rich Culture of Tang and Song China
Homes of the nobility and wealthy were often designed along the lines of Buddhist temples. The homes included lovely courtyards and gardens, as well as guest rooms and banquet halls.
The Song Dynasty
Vincent Hiller
Created on November 6, 2025
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Transcript
The Song Dynasty
In 960, a scholarly general named Zhao Kuangyin reunited much of China and founded the Song (sung) dynasty. The Song ruled for 319 years, slightly longer than the Tang, but they controlled less territory than the Tang. The Song also faced the constant threat of invaders in the north. In the early 1100s, the battered Song retreated south of the Huang River. There, the southern Song continued to rule for another 150 years. However, in the late 1200s Mongol invaders from the north attacked and overthrew the Song.
The Song Dynasty
The invention of gunpowder made possible the cannon, such as this one with a dragon head at its mouth.
An Ordered Society
Under the Tang and Song, China was a well-ordered society. At its head was the emperor, whose court was filled with aristocratic families. The court stood at the center of a huge bureaucracy from which officials fanned out to every province and county in China. The bureaucracy oversaw China’s huge population, made up of the gentry, or wealthy landowners, and peasants.
An Ordered Society
Candidates take the rigorous civil service exam during the Song dynasty. Students studied for years in preparation for the exam, which usually led to an honored position as a civil servant in the bureaucracy.
The Rich Culture of Tang and Song China
A prosperous economy supported the rich culture of Tang and Song China. Writers produced brilliant works of poetry and prose, while the works of artists survived the centuries.
The Rich Culture of Tang and Song China
Song paintings emphasized the Daoist belief in the importance of harmony with nature. Paintings often portrayed a harmonious blend of trees, mountains, and rivers.
The Rich Culture of Tang and Song China
Homes of the nobility and wealthy were often designed along the lines of Buddhist temples. The homes included lovely courtyards and gardens, as well as guest rooms and banquet halls.