Song dynasty ap world history definition
key term - Song Dynasty
Definition
The Song Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that ruled from 960 to 1279 CE, known for its economic prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural flourishing. This period is marked by significant developments in trade, governance, and art, which laid the groundwork for modern Chinese civilization.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The Song Dynasty is divided into two periods: the Northern Song (960-1127) and the Southern Song (1127-1279), marked by territorial control changes after invasions.
During this time, China experienced rapid economic growth due to advancements in agriculture, trade, and urbanization, including the establishment of commercial cities.
The invention of movable type printing and advancements in navigational technology greatly enhanced literacy rates and expanded trade networks across Asia.
Culturally, the Song Dynasty is renowned for its achievements in art, particularly in landscape painting and ceramics, influencing future generations.
The dynasty faced military challenges from northern invaders such as the Jurchens, leading to the establishment of a new capital in Hangzhou during the Southern Song period.
CHINA—Timeline of Historical Periods
ca. 2100-1600 BCE
Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE
Shang Dynasty
Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
1046-256 BCE
Zhou (Chou,
pronounced "Joe"
) Dynasty
Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE
Qin (Ch'in,
pronounced "chin"
) Dynasty/
Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xian
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE
Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE)
Capital: Chang'an (present-day Xian)
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE)
Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE
Six Dynasties Period
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE)
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han; Buddhism introduced to China
Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
581-618 CE
Sui (
pronounced "sway"
) Dynasty
Capital: Ch
When the Tang(tahng)dynastya series of rulers from a single family. (618–907) collapsed, a period of upheaval, rapid succession of dynasties, and multiple kingdoms followed. In the mid-tenth century, a general named Zhou(joe) Kuangyin reunified China, establishing the Song dynasty (960–1279) with himself as the first ruler, Emperor Taizu. The Song dynasty was divided into two periods: the Northern Song (960–1126), the physically larger empire, and the Southern Song (1127–1279). Overall, it was a time of stability and economic, cultural, and artistic prosperitythe state of being wealthy or successful..
Increased population, advanced agricultural techniques, and booming trade and commerce led to a thriving economy during both the Northern and Southern Song. The world’s first governmental paper money was issued in the 1120s. Despite the empire’s many successes, the state lacked the same degree of military strength that the previous Tang dynasty had enjoyed. Instead, the Song rulers took advantage of the empire’s economic strength and made large annual gifts to neighboring states to secure the peace that its armies could not. Despite the payoffs, a seminomadic people called the Jur
China in 1000 CE
China was the most advanced place in the world. recognized this when he got to China in the late 13th century after traveling through much of Asia. In what is now Europe, this was the period now referred to as the “high” Middle Ages, which fostered the Crusades and witnessed the rise of Venice, the mercantile center that was Marco Polo’s home.
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A painted by a Chinese artist in the 12th century provides us with a look at society and urban life in China during this time.
During the Song (Sung) Dynasty (960-1276), technology was highly advanced in fields as diverse as agriculture, iron-working, and printing. Indeed, scholars today talk of a Song economic revolution.
The population grew rapidly during this time, and more and more people lived in cities.
The Song system of government was also advanced for its time. The upper-levels of the government were staffed by highly educated scholar-officials selected through competitive written examinations.
Many ways of living and acting that are now seen as most “Chinese,” or even characteristically East Asian, did not appear before the Song.
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