Song Dynasty History

The Song Empire (960–1279) was generally prosperous and at the time it was the world's most powerful empire economically, scientifically, and militarily. However, the Song Dynasty came under constant threat from northern enemies, and after 319 years they were conquered by the Mongols.
Song Dynasty History Outline
· The Rise of the Northern Song Dynasty
· First Emperor of Song Dynasty: Zhao Kuangyin
· Wars of the Song Dynasty
· Southern Song Dynasty
· Southern Song Achievements: Maritime Trade and Warfare
· Economic and Agricultural Development
· Population and Urbanization of Great Song
· Religions and Philosophy of Song
· The Song's Last Great Military Blunders
Historians divide Song history into two eras:
· The Northern Song Empire (960–1127) was based north of the Yangtze River, had its capital in Kaifeng, and was smaller than the Tang Empire.
· The Southern Song Empire (1127–1279) had its capital at Hangzhou, was mainly south of the Yangtze, and flourished substantially both economically and in population growth.
In between, there was a short period of invasion and infighting among rivals before the remnants of the empire arose again south of the Yangtze.
Song Dynasty Summary and Page Contents
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· The rise of the Song Dynasty (906 – 960 AD) culminated in Emperor Taizu (927 – 976) laying strong imperial foundations.
· The Northern Song wars (960–1127) ended in stalemate then disaster.
· The Southern Song Empire (1127–1279) regrouped and had renewed successes (maritime trade and warfare, economic and agricultural development).
· Song society: The population doubled with extensive urbanization and high wealth, art, and education levels. Religions and philosophy featured Neo-Confucianism. Important Song cultural traditions included rice and foot binding.
· Song achievements in science and technology included advanced Song architecture.
· The Song Dynasty's downfall featured its last great military blunders (1234–1299).
· Quick Song Dynasty facts to take with you
· Song Dynasty Sights and Tours
The Rise of the Northern Song Dynasty (906 – 960 AD)
As described in the Tang Empire (618–907) article, when that stable and cosmopolitan empire collapsed in 906 AD, their territory was divided among newly established kingdoms or by invading tribes for 54 years. This period was called the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (906–960).
Most of the west and north of the former Tang territory was taken over by other empires or by nomadic tribes. In the east, by the year 923, there were 8 small kingdoms. It was a period of warfare and turmoil.
In the year 960, a general named Zhao Kuangyin of one of the 8 kingdoms, Northern Zhou, rebelled against his own king and the court officials and established a new dynasty — the Song. He took the name Emperor Taizu (927 – 976), and during the next 20 years, he and his son defeated the other kingdoms and so established the Song Empire.
Emperor Taizu (927 – 976) Laid Strong Imperial Foundations
Taizu promoted education strongly, and scholarship and education became highly esteemed throughout the Song Empire.
Emperor Taizu began reigning over in the year 960. His capital was in Kaifeng. He is known for successful and daring military leadership and as the man who set up the foundations and traditions for the Song Empire to become the greatest on earth in that era. His model of government and rule was emulated by the big empires that came later. During his 16 years of rule, he instituted important successful imperial policies and won his wars of expansion.
Taizu's Successful Educational Policies
Emperor Taizu stands out as an emperor who fostered science and education.
Taizu was unusual for his time for the extent that he nurtured and promoted the educational system, scholarly rule, and scientific research in his empire. He set up the educational and administrative system not only for the Song Empire, but his educational and governmental policies set the precedent for the later dynasties.
The Imperial Exams
Yuelu Academy was one of ancient China's four main imperial academies. It was built by a Song governor of the Changsha region in 976.
The Imperial Examination System: Taizu is known as one who set the policy that most of the governing officials of his empire should be Confucian Literati who passed a difficult exam called the Imperial Exam that tested mainly knowledge of the Confucian Classics and other ancient literature.
He instituted this policy to prove a candidate's qualification to rule. He staffed his government with well-educated people. He ensured that his educated courtiers and officials had more power in his government than did the military generals or rich lords.
This policy stabilized the process of dynastic succession by ensuring that the empire's administrative staff could carry on their duties when the emperor died. The policy greatly strengthened the empire so that it could endure. His policies helped to ensure that the officials were very intelligent, literate, and loyal to the government.
Scientific Academies
Scientific Academies: He created academies that allowed a great deal of freedom of thought and discussion. These academies successfully nurtured world-leading scientists and officials who excelled in literature, arts, and sciences.
Their high level of education helped them formulate beneficial trade policies with other countries and introduce revolutionary new weapons such as rockets and mortars that proved effective in warfare. Their weapons were the most advanced in the world.
The Northern Song Wars (960–1127): Stalemate and Disaster
For about 150 years, the result of the Song wars was stalemate. They couldn't conquer their neighbors, but they didn't lose significant territory to them either. So they maintained their territorial integrity, and they were able to prosper in their boundaries until 1127.
When Emperor Taizu began reigni