Overview
This lecture covers the ethnic tensions, key figures, and devastating consequences of the An Lushan Rebellion, which ended the Tang dynasty's golden age.
Background of the Tang Dynasty
- The Tang dynasty was a powerful, wealthy, and culturally diverse empire during Emperor Xuanzong's reign.
- Multiple ethnicities, including Turks, Koreans, and Persians, lived and served in Tang China.
- Turks were significant in the Tang military and held high-ranking positions.
- Despite cosmopolitanism, strong ethnic tensions existed beneath the surface.
Rise of An Lushan
- An Lushan, of mixed ancestry (possibly Sogdian and Turkic), was known for cunning and cruelty.
- He spoke several non-Chinese languages and started as an army interpreter after escaping execution for theft.
- An Lushan rose through military ranks by fighting frontier battles and excelling at court politics.
- He gained favor with Consort Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong by manipulating court customs.
Court Intrigue and Factionalism
- The Tang court was divided into factions: Crown Prince Li Khan, Chancellor Li Linfu, and Consort Yang’s relatives.
- Li Linfu placed non-Han generals in frontier positions to limit Han Chinese rivals.
- An Lushan thrived amidst palace intrigue but eventually gained powerful enemies.
The Outbreak and Course of the Rebellion
- In 755, fearing for his safety, An Lushan declared his own dynasty and began his rebellion.
- His battle-hardened frontier army quickly conquered key cities like Luoyang.
- Tang defenses were weakened by internal strife, poor leadership, and flawed troop recruitment.
- The emperor fled as the rebels approached the capital; chaos led to executions within the royal family.
Ethnic Conflict and Atrocities
- Both Han and non-Han fought on all sides, but ethnic animosity increased, especially against foreigners.
- Massacres and atrocities occurred, including cannibalism during sieges and massacres of foreign traders.
Decline and Aftermath
- The rebellion lasted eight years, causing population figures to drop drastically, though census methods changed.
- Other uprisings and devastation occurred during and after the rebellion.
- The rebellion ended with the deaths of An Lushan and his successors, and shifting rebel leadership.
- The Tang dynasty never regained its previous power or cosmopolitan openness.
Key Terms & Definitions
- An Lushan Rebellion — A major revolt (755–763) led by An Lushan against the Tang dynasty, resulting in massive destruction.
- Consort Yang Guifei — Emperor Xuanzong’s favored concubine, influential during the rebellion.
- Frontier soldiers — Troops stationed on the empire’s borders, often of non-Han origin.
- Cosmopolitanism — The presence and interaction of multiple cultures and ethnicities within the empire.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for the next lecture on Chang Pogo, a Korean figure in post-rebellion China.
- Review the ethnic and political dynamics in Tang China for deeper understanding.