Tang dynasty

The Tang dynasty (唐|朝) or the Tang Empire, was an imperial dynasty that ruled China from 618 to 907 AD, with an interregnum between 690 and 705.

The Tang dynasty was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It is generally regarded as a high point in Chinese civilization, and a golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Its territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivaled that of the Han dynasty, and the Tang capital at Chang'an (present-day Xi'an) was the most populous city in the world.

Buddhism became a major influence in Chinese culture during this time. It was accepted by some members of imperial family, becoming thoroughly sinicized and a permanent part of Chinese traditional culture.

However, Buddhism would later be persecuted by the state, subsequently declining in influence. Although the dynasty and central government were in decline by the 9th century, art and culture continued to flourish.

Further reading

• Tang Dynasty, Wikipedia
• East Asian Buddhist tradition