Chang'an

Definition

Chang'an, located near modern Xian in Shaanxi Province, was the capital of several dynasties of ancient China from the Zhou to the Tang and eventually became one of the world's great metropolises. With regular tree-lined avenues, high walls, pleasure parks, and areas dedicated to specific functions, it provided a model which was copied by other Asian capitals, notably in Japan and Korea.

More about: Chang'an

Timeline

  • 1600 BCE - 1046 BCE
    Shang Dynasty in China.
  • 1046 BCE - 771 BCE
    Western Zhou dynasty replaces the Shang Dynasty in China.
  • 206 BCE - 9 CE
    The Western Han dynasty rules China from their capital in Chang'an.
  • Mar 202 BCE
    Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang) becomes the first Han ruler.
  • 141 BCE - 87 BCE
    Reign of Emperor Wu (Wu the Great), the most effective and influential of the Han monarchs.
  • 140 BCE - 87 BCE
    Han emperor Wu rules and expands Han territory in China.
  • 130 BCE
    The Silk Road is officially opened.
  • 2 CE
    Chang'an, the imperial capital of China, had a population of nearly 250 thousand people.
  • 23 CE
    The sack of Chang'an, imperial capital of China.
  • c. 23 CE
    After the sack of Chang'an, Liu Xiu led his loyal officials to the city of Luoyang, where the Chinese imperial capital was relocated.
  • 618 CE - 907 CE
    The Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 618 CE - 626 CE
    Reign of Gaozu, 1st Emperor of Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 626 CE - 649 CE
    Reign of Emperor Taizong in China.
  • 649 CE - 683 CE
    Reign of Emperor Gaozong in China.
  • 683 CE - 704 CE
    Reign of Empress Wu Zetian, only female monarch of China.
  • 712 CE - 756 CE
    Reign of Xuanzong, 7th emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 756 CE - 762 CE
    Reign of Emperor Suzong in China.
  • 762 CE - 779 CE
    Reign of Emperor Daizong in China.
  • 780 CE - 805 CE
    Reign of Emperor Dezong in China.
  • 805 CE
    Reign of Emperor Shunzong in China.
  • 821 CE - 824 CE
    Reign of Emperor Muzong in China.
  • 824 CE - 826 CE
    Reign of Emperor Jingzong in China.
  • 826 CE - 840 CE
    Reign of Emperor Wenzong in China.
  • 840 CE - 846 CE
    Reign of Emperor Wuzong in China.
  • 846 CE - 859 CE
    Reign of Emperor Xuanzong II in China.
  • 859 CE - 873 CE
    Reign of Emperor Yizong in China; severe drought causes famine.
  • 873 CE - 888 CE
    Reign of Emperor Xizong in China; Huang-Chao Rebellion erupts against government corruption and neglect.
  • 874 CE - 884 CE
    Huang-Chao Rebellion topples weakened Tang Dynasty in China.
  • 904 CE - 907 CE
    Reign of Ai, last Tang Dynasty Emperor of China; assassinated by Warlord Zhu Quanzong at age fifteen.
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