The Song (aka Sung) dynasty ruled China from 960 to 1279 CE with the reign split into two periods: the Northern Song (960-1125 CE) and Southern Song (1125-1279 CE). The Northern Song ruled a largely united China from their capital at Kaifeng, but when the northern part of the state was invaded by the Jin state in the first quarter of the 12th century CE, the Song moved their capital south to Hangzhou. Despite the relative modernisation of China and its great economic wealth during the period, the Song court was so plagued with political factions and conservatism that the state could not withstand the challenge of the Mongol invasion and collapsed in 1279 CE, replaced by the Yuan dynasty.
More about: Song DynastyDefinition
Timeline
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960 - 1125The Northern Song Dynasty in China.
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960 - 976Reign of Emperor Taizu, founder of the Song dynasty in China.
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960 - 1279Song Dynasty in China.
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962Emperor Taizu of Song introduces a new and harsh law code in China.
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976 - 997Reign of Emperor Taizong of the Song dynasty in China.
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c. 990 - 1030Life of Chinese painter Fan Kuan.
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997 - 1022Reign of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1004Treaty of Shanyuan which brings peace between the Liao dynasty and Song dynasty of China with the latter compelled to pay annual tribute.
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1021 - 1086Life of Wang Anshi, influential chancellor during the Song dynasty.
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1022 - 1063Reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1037 - 1101Life of Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo.
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1044Defeat to the Xia state results in China's Song dynasty paying tribute.
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1054 - 1126Life of Song dynasty general Tong Guan.
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1063 - 1067Reign of Emperor Yingzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1067 - 1085Reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1084Sima Guang writes his 'Zizhi tongjian' (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid to Government), a history of China.
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1085 - 1100Reign of Emperor Zhizong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1100 - 1126Reign of Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1103Lie Jie in China writes his 'Yingzao fashi', a treatise on architecture.
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1125 - 1279The Southern Song Dynasty in China.
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1125The Jin state attacks Song China.
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1125The Jurchen Jin state invades Song China necessitating the latter to move south and form the Southern Song dynasty.
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1127 - 1162Reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1138Hangzhou (aka Linan) is made the capital of the Song Dynasty, now known as the Southern Song.
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1141A peace treaty is signed betwwen the (southern) Song Dynasty and Jin state.
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1142The Jurchen Jin dynasty and Southern Song dynasty sign a formal peace treaty.
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1162 - 1189Reign of Emperor Xiaozong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1189 - 1194Reign of Emperor Guangzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1194 - 1224Reign of Emperor Ningzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1212 - 1215The Mongols attack Song China, sacking over 90 cities.
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1215The Mongols sack Beijing.
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1224 - 1264Reign of Emperor Lizong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1264 - 1274Reign of Emperor Duzong of the Song dynasty in China.
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1268Kublai Khan resumes the Mongol attacks on Song Dynasty China.
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1273Xiangyang falls into Mongol hands.
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1274 - 1275Reign of Emperor Gongzong of the Song dynasty in southern China.
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1275 - 1279The Mongols led by Kublai Khan attack and conquer the last remnants of Song China.
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1275 - 1277Reign of Emperor Duanzong of the Song dynasty in southern China.
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28 Mar 1276Lin'an, the capital of the Song Dynasty, is captured by a Mongol army.
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1278 - 1279Reign of Emperor Dibing of the Song dynasty in southern China.
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19 Mar 1279The Mongols complete their conquest of Song Dynasty China with victory at the naval battle at Yaishan.
