The History of the Song Dynasty - 661 Words

For followers of the history of Western Civilization Marco Polos visit to China was a major event. What most do not know or appreciate is the fact that such visit occurred in one of Chinas golden ages in a period known as the Song dynasty. The Song dynasty last for over three centuries from 960 to approximately 1279 and was characterized by a vibrant and prosperous economy which was accompanied by a rich cultural life. The prosperity enjoyed during the Song dynasty transcended various aspects of Chinese society. In agriculture techniques were developed that greatly improved the output of food products that was necessary due to the rapid increase in the nations population. Division of labor practices were introduced that allowed the crafts business to not only introduce new products but also improved upon the quality of existing products. It was during the Song dynasty that the use of paper currency was also introduced which made trading across the various territories within China eas ier and more expedient. In the areas of science and technology, it was during the Song dynasty that several of the more well-known Chinese developments took place. Typography, the use of movable type, and the invention of the compass occurred during the late stages of the Song dynasty and were evidence of how advanced Chinese culture was during this period. The Chinese had already been using gunpowder in the production of fireworks before the Song dynasty began but during this period moreShow MoreRelatedWhat Major Changes in Political Structures, Social and Economic Life, Occurred During Each of the Following? the Sui Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty733 Words   |  3 Pagesalmost four centuries. It became unified in 581 with the founding of the new dynasties, Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties. During the time of these dynasties, many changes took place. There were changes in the political, social, and economic structures. The first changes took place during the Sui dyna sty in 581. Additional changes took place during the Tang dynasty in 618, and the Song dynasty in 960. The Sui dynasty was founded by Yang Jian. Jian was a member of a respected aristocratic familyRead MoreThe Major Change in Sui, Tang Song Dynasty586 Words   |  3 PagesThe Major Change in Sui, Tang Song Dynasty What are the major changes in political structures, social, and economic life in The Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasty. Well during the period of the dynasty that China was unified again when Young Jian a member of aristocratic family from northern china founded a new dynasty known as Sui. The Sui dynasty started 581 and ended 618bit was founded by Sui Wendi or Yang Jian. The major changes that occurred were reduce the rich-poor social gap, enhancedRead MoreThe Song Dynasty : China1586 Words   |  7 PagesThe Song dynasty gave China many of the qualities that many outsiders see as being distinctly Chinese, such as tea and rice, unique architecture, Confucian thought, and much more. The Song dynasty reestablished unity and made China the wealthiest, most skilled, and most populated country in the world. The Song dynasty is considered such a significant period in Chinese history because it moved China into the modern era with lasting changes in many aspects of Chinese civilization. Introduction toRead MoreEssay about Arts and Recreation in Song Dynasty China1645 Words   |  7 PagesWhen studying the rich history of arts and recreation in the Song Dynasty, it is evident that there were many newly pioneered practices that completely captivated the populous and became the epitome of several long-established genres. When one observes the progression of visual arts through the Song Dynasty, landscape painting established itself as the most prevalent and important of the multitude of forms in this genre. Close examination of entertainment reveals that the dramatic arts, with emphasisRead MoreYue Fei A True Hero1198 Words   |  5 PagesYue Fei is one of the most talked about Patriots in Chinese History. There are several Muggle television shows and novels written about this famous patriot. He also has many temples dedicated to his honor. He is one of the most venerated but tragic generals in Chinese history. People have recognized this name for the last 800 years. The history of Yue Fei is still celebrated in China today. Over the last 800 years, everyone knew of this famous patriot. Yue Fei did not kill his enemies in theRead MoreThe Effects of Dynasties705 Words   |  3 PagesThree main dynasties that affected Chinese heritage, culture, economy and society were the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties. Each of these dynasties were significant into further building and creating China. Two out of three succeeded. Sui Dynasty was the second shortest dynasty, lasted only 38 years. The Tang Dynasty lasted almost 300 years and helped continue to improve China based on the results of the Sui Dynasty. The Song Dynasty followed after lasting only a few years because there was too muchRead MoreDevelopments in Ancient China1255 Words   |  6 Pageswith ideas and teachings of new religions, changing powers, and building empires. In a nutshell the Chinese were progressing toward new technology, writings, and belief systems. The Chinese saw many dynasties come and go as well as many ups and downs experienced with societies over the course of history. As all nation’s go through change, the Chinese experienced changes from other lands far away and produced many concepts in which helped other realms to see change for themselves. The Chinese usedRead MoreChina s History, Traditions, Geography, And More1198 Words   |  5 Pagesinteresting history, traditions, geography, and more. Have you ever been curious about China’s history, traditions, geography, and more? If you are curious then this is a perfect thing to read! Let’s begin with history in China. In the Prehistoric Times original humans began activity in the Paleolithic Times, and early culture and society forming. The Xia Dynasty was the first dynasty made, and was established by Qi (son of Yu the Great). It was a country made up of different tribes. The Shang Dynasty wasRead MoreChin A Powerful Empire For A Long Period Of Time943 Words   |  4 Pagesexpansive history China has evolved in many ways while retaining many of its original values. Some examples of this can be found in the way China conducted its economy, its attitude towards openness to other ideas, and its methods of leadership. Specifically, there were vast amounts of change that took place between the warring states period in China and the Yuan dynasty, this is not to say though that some things did not stay the same. China s economy has varied throughout its history, some ofRead MoreHow the Tang-Song Era Is a Golden Age1507 Words   |  7 Pagesimprovement and advance at a great level. The Tang and Song Dynasties are very important to the history of Chinese civilization. The Tang Era is the most well-known dynasty in Chinese history, mainly because the empire was the largest, richest and most sophisticated state in the world at the time. The Song Era had far-reaching impacts economically, culturally, and socially. During the Song Era, there was major development in urbanization. The Tang and Song Eras are commonly referred to as being the basis