Compare And Contrast Tang And Song Dynasties

Tang and Song Dynasties Throughout the reign of Classical China, two main dynasties came to power that would influence and change the way we view China as a whole. The Tang and Song dynasties both used their differences to further China under their rule and unite their citizens under a common belief, Confucianism. The Tang and Song held authority in China from 618 to 1279, following the rule of the memorable Sui and Han dynasties (Ways of the World). The Tang Dynasty ruled Classical China from 618 to 907. The first emperor took over after defeating a tyrannical emperor during a general rebellion (Tang Dynasty). Much of what is now China was ruled by the Tang. The Tang Dynasty was focused in Central Asia and had a very strong military.

They were a slightly weak nation reigning in Central Asia. Song emperors preferred avoiding the fate of the Tang rulers who were overthrown by friendly generals. The Song only ruled a small part of what is now China. They succeeded in remitting China, but not Northern China, which was lost to the Jurchen nomads. The Confucian intellectuals, who ruled the Chinese Civil Service, were favored by the Song. They gave very little power to the military. Song was the high point of Chinese painting, which often focused on mountain ranges and flowing water within landscapes. Many of the prominent techniques used in landscape paintings were created by the artists of Song (Differences Between the Song and Tang). Paintings and statues in Song China, showed images of their many female deities. Though there were many female deities in China during this time, common women were frequently viewed as distractions. To balance this out, an expression of patriarchy was created known as foot binding. Foot binding was cruel and unusual punishment that led to the loss of the income generated from silk. It also served to help distinguish Chinese women from Barbarian women. Over time, foot binding became a way of acceptance for women. It was also associated with new ideals of beauty. Over time, however, men came to see masculinity as refined pursuits of scholarship rather than superiority over women. This led to an explosion of scholarship in the Song Dynasty that led to the rise of Neoconfucianism. Opportunities were increasing for women in this new China. Women gained more social freedom, and even gained the right to inherit property. Soon, lower ranking officials began to insist on educating women. Women were moving up in the world of Classical China. The intelligence that was spreading throughout all of the Song Dynasty led to an economic revolution the made it the richest, most skilled, and most populous country