Lecture : Sui and Tang dynasties
Document Summary
The first half of his rule he is excellent, last 15 years of his rule he is a horrible human. Allowed people to study for the civil service exam even when poor. Started a campaign in court to live tastefully. He was very sick, made it harder to rule bc he was not always in a good state. Declares herself empress wu zetian (ruler of heaven) Changed the name of the dynasty to zhou, as a move of symbolism. Eventually forced to abdicate in favor of her son. Improved the economy through security on the silk road, expands maritime training, and financial reforms. Public libraries built to collect all of the books in print. 725 the world first clock mechanism in the world is invented. Declares that a copy of the tao must be kept in all households. He believed that taoism promoted greater harmony in chinese society. Leads to a period pf domestic tranquility in china.
