China in the Middle Ages

China in the Middle Ages

China once had a series of dynasties that ruled and unified a large empire. These dynasties included the Sui, Tang, and Song. China made many advances during that period of time. For example, the Chinese invented paper money, porcelain, and gunpowder, and made many improvements in transportation. A lot of trade occurred during these dynasties. Both, Buddhism and Confucianism spread throughout these empires.

When the Han dynasty collapsed, China split into several rival kingdoms. Though when the Tang dynasty arose, China was reunified. Later, all of China grew under the Tang dynasty. The Tang dynasty was able to reunify China because of Taizong. Taizong was a Tang ruler. He helped unify China through his programs, including reform of the military, creation of law codes, and a land reform policy known as the equal field system. One religion that spread through China was Buddhism. This religion spread in China because during the Period of Disunion, many people turned to Buddhism. They took comfort in the Buddhist teaching that people can escape suffering and achieve a state of peace. Chinese missionaries introduced Buddhism to Japan, Korea, and other Asian lands.
Several agricultural, technological, and commercial developments occurred in China. Agricultural surpluses helped pay taxes to the government and were also used for trade. During the Song and Tang dynasties, Chinese farming reached new heights. The improvement was mostly due to new irrigation techniques. One of these new techniques was the dragon backbone pump, an irrigation device. Under the Tang and the Song, the amount of land under cultivation increased. Wild lands became farmland. Farms also became more productive because of the discovery of a new type of fast-ripening rice. Chinese farmers also learned to grow new crops, such as cotton. Trade grew along with Chinese cities. This trade made China richer than ever before. Much trade took place within China itself. To ship goods on barges...

Similar Essays