May 1, 2024
4 minute read
The Song Dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1279, was a period of great cultural and economic prosperity in China. During this time, the country saw the development of new technologies, such as gunpowder and the compass, as well as the rise of Neo-Confucianism, a new philosophical movement that would come to dominate Chinese thought for centuries to come. The Song Dynasty also saw the flourishing of Chinese literature and the arts, with the production of some of the most famous works of Chinese poetry, painting, and ceramics.
What is the Song Dynasty?
The Song Dynasty was founded by Zhao Kuangyin, a military general who overthrew the Later Zhou Dynasty and established the Song Dynasty in 960. The Song Dynasty was divided into two periods: the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The Northern Song Dynasty was a period of great economic and cultural prosperity, with the capital at Bianjing (modern Kaifeng).
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Find a path to becoming a Song Dynasty. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n4i7v5/song
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Song Dynasty.
Explores the various art forms that were popular during the Song Dynasty, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics. It must-read for anyone interested in the history of Chinese art.
A study of the development of classical Chinese poetry during the Tang and Song dynasties. provides a close reading of some of the most important poems from this period.
A study of the music of the Song Dynasty. provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of music that were popular during this period.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Tang Dynasty China. Wang Zhenping covers a wide range of topics and includes nearly 100 illustrations to engage the reader.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/n4i7v5/song