On This Day In History: Zhao Kuangyin Became Emperor Taizu Of Powerful Song Dynasty – On Feb 4, 960
MessageToEagle.com – On Feb 4, 960, an important political and historical event took place in China. The coronation of Zhao Kuangyin as Emperor Taizu of Song, initiated the Song dynasty period of China that would last more than three centuries.
Born in a family of military tradition, Zhao Kuangyin began to learn martial arts at an early age and acquired marvelous feats. He was famous for his outstanding battle achievements.
Emperor Taizu launched a series of wars and managed to unify the separatist regimes in South China in thirteen years.
He conquered the Northern Han Dynasty, ended the separated situation for the previous 50 years, and reunified China once again.
He was also an emperor good at dealing with state affairs. He conducted a variety of iron-handed reforms with his grand verve: strengthening centralization, taking over local military power, and appointing civilians to be local officials.
Zhao Kuangyin is remembered for his reform of the examination where the bureaucracy favors individual who demonstrate abilities rather than birth. He paid attention to talent training, setting up schools, respecting knowledge, and revitalizing Confucianism.
He supported freedom of discussions and thoughts, which facilitated the pioneering of scientific advances, economic reforms as well as achievements in arts and literature.
Zhao Kuangyin (Taizu was his posthumous title) promoted agricultural production and mulberry planting, and establishing a series of important policies for agriculture.
He organized great Chinese scholars to compile important classics such as ‘Taiping Imperial Encyclopedia’, ‘The Cream of Literary World’, ‘Cefu Yuangui’ and many more.
This emperor, a true master of both the pen and the sword, reigned for 16 years and died in 976 at the age of 49, and he was succeeded by his younger brother.
First version of this article was originally published on February 4, 2016
MessageToEagle.com
Expand for referencessource: Cultural China
Related Posts
-
On This Day In History: Carl Sagan – Scientist Who Made Universe Clearer To Ordinary People, Was Born – On Nov 9, 1934
No Comments | Nov 9, 2016
-
On This Day In History: Julius Caesar Defeated “Pompey The Great” At Pharsalus – On August 9, 48 BC
No Comments | Aug 9, 2016
-
On This Day In History: Vespasian Was Elected The Roman Emperor – On July 1, 69
No Comments | Jul 1, 2016
-
On This Day In History: Admiral John Byng Charged With ‘Failing To Do His Utmost’ – Executed – On Mar 14, 1757
No Comments | Mar 14, 2016
-
On This Day In History: Irish Rebellion Led By The United Irishmen Against British Rule Begins – On May 24, 1798
No Comments | May 24, 2016
-
On This Day In History: The Only English Pope In History Of Catholic Church Elected – On Dec 4, 1154
No Comments | Dec 4, 2016
-
On This Day In History: William Penn – English Philosopher, Quaker And Founder Of Pennsylvania Was Born – Oct 14, 1644
No Comments | Oct 14, 2016
-
On This Day In History: Massacre In Great Temple Of The Aztec Capital Tenochtitlan – On May 20, 1520
No Comments | May 20, 2016
-
On This Day In History: 55 Delegates Convened To Write What Would Become The U.S. Constitution – On May 14, 1787
No Comments | May 14, 2016
-
On This Day In History: James Cook – Navigator And Explorer – Killed On Feb 14, 1779
No Comments | Feb 14, 2017