The China History Podcast
Ep. 26 | Tang Dynasty (Part 2)
Jan 3, 2011
Laszlo returns from illness to explore the Tang Dynasty's rich history, featuring Wu Zetian, China's first female emperor, and Tang Minghuang, the Xuanzong emperor. They discuss the power struggles following Wu Zetian’s reign and the flourishing culture during the Kaiguan era, with poets like Li Bai and Du Fu emerging. The podcast highlights the tragic romance of Emperor Xianzong and his concubine amidst political chaos, as well as the cultural exchange sparked by the Battle of Talas, shaping both Chinese and Islamic histories.
27:27
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Quick takeaways
- The tumultuous power dynamics of the Tang Dynasty were marked by the effective yet controversial rule of Wu Zetian and subsequent political intrigues.
- Emperor Xianzong's reign is celebrated for cultural prosperity and the establishment of the Hanlin Academy amidst the backdrop of personal tragedy and rebellion.
Deep dives
Transition of Power in the Tang Dynasty
The podcast delves into the shift of power during the Tang Dynasty, focusing on the rise and fall of key figures. Li Yuan's establishment of the Tang Dynasty marked the beginning of an era, followed by his son Li Shirmin, known as Tang Taizong, who is celebrated as one of China's greatest emperors. After his reign, the succession was marked by weakness, with Emperor Gaozong's ineffective rule leading to the rise of Wu Zetian, his powerful concubine, who eventually took control. The power dynamics shifted further with a palace revolt in 705 AD that removed Wu Zetian, leading to a turbulent seven years filled with intrigue and familial power struggles within the royal Li family.
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