Historical Figure
Li Shimin
d. 649
Emperor of China from 626 to 649
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Biography
Emperor Taizong of Tang, previously Prince of Qin, personal name Li Shimin, was the second emperor of the Tang dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649. He is traditionally regarded as a co-founder of the dynasty for his role in encouraging his father Li Yuan to rebel against the Sui dynasty at Jinyang in 617. Taizong subsequently played a pivotal role in defeating several of the dynasty's most dangerous opponents and solidifying its rule over China proper.
Timeline
The story of Li Shimin, told in moments.
Born Li Shimin in what is now Shaanxi province. Second son of Li Yuan, a Sui dynasty nobleman and military commander. Raised in a world of palace intrigue and frontier warfare.
Convinced his father to rebel against the collapsing Sui dynasty. Li Shimin was 19. He personally led cavalry charges. Within a year, his father had taken the capital and founded the Tang dynasty.
Ambushed and killed his two brothers at the Xuanwu Gate of the imperial palace. His father abdicated within two months. The coup was bloody and calculated. He became Emperor Taizong. He was 28.
Defeated the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. Foreign rulers began calling him "Heavenly Khan." His court welcomed ambassadors, scholars, and monks from Persia, India, Japan, and Byzantium. Chang'an became the world's largest city.
Died at Cuiwei Palace at 50, probably from dysentery complicated by mineral poisoning from Taoist longevity elixirs. His reign is still called the "Prosperity of Zhenguan." Chinese historians rank it among the greatest in 5,000 years.
In Their Own Words (1)
Artifacts (15)
The Eighteen Scholars by an anonymous Ming artist 1
AnonymousUnknown author
The Eighteen Scholars by an anonymous Ming artist 2
AnonymousUnknown author
The Eighteen Scholars by an anonymous Ming artist 3
AnonymousUnknown author
The Eighteen Scholars by an anonymous Ming artist 4
AnonymousUnknown author
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