For a century and a half, the capital of China was the most cosmopolitan city on earth — a million people, Persian wine shops, churches and fire temples, and poets writing the verses every Chinese schoolchild still memorizes. The Tang made openness a state policy, and the world came.
Chang'an ★ Tarim Basin Central Asia Korea Byzantium Greatest extent — stylized map 618 Founded 649 Taizong 712 High summer 755 An Lushan 907 Tang falls Rise · zenith · fall The rise The dynasty's true founder was Li Shimin — Emperor Taizong, who reigned 626 to 649 — and he took the throne by killing his brothers at the Xuanwu Gate. Then he became one of history's most admired rulers: he listened to blunt ministers, cut taxes, and built an empire that welcomed foreigners as officials and generals. Fratricide first, good government after — the Tang order of operations.
