Emperor Taizong of Tang
He transformed a military rebellion into a golden age, setting the cultural and political template for China for centuries.
Born 598 (age 1428)·Emperor of China from 626 to 649·Birthday: January 28
Biography
Born Li Shimin in 598, the future Emperor Taizong was a warrior prince long before he took the throne. His ambition and strategic genius were the driving force behind the Tang dynasty's founding, as he pushed his father to revolt against the crumbling Sui. After a palace coup in 626, he seized power and proved to be a ruler of startling capability. Taizong didn't just conquer; he governed with a practical brilliance, welcoming criticism from his ministers, reforming the legal code, and patronizing the arts and Buddhism. His reign, known as the 'Reign of Zhenguan,' became the model for effective, enlightened Chinese emperorship, creating a stable, powerful empire that would dominate Asia for generations.
#1 When Emperor Was Born
The biggest hits of 598
Emperor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
598Born
603Started school
611Became a teenager
614Could drive
616Could vote
619Turned 21
628Turned 30
638Turned 40
648Turned 50
658Turned 60
668Turned 70
678Turned 80
2026Age 1428 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the military campaigns that consolidated the Tang dynasty's control over China after its founding.
- Established the 'Reign of Zhenguan,' a period celebrated in Chinese history as a pinnacle of good governance and cultural flourishing.
- Commissioned and personally contributed to the compilation of key historical records about the Jin and Sui dynasties.
- Successfully expanded Tang influence into Central Asia, securing vital trade routes along the Silk Road.
Did You Know?
He is famously depicted in the painting 'Thirteen Emperors' by Tang court artist Yan Liben.
Taizong's mausoleum, the Zhao Mausoleum, is one of the largest imperial tombs in China.
He maintained a famous stable of six warhorses, which were commemorated in stone reliefs.
His court included the extraordinary chancellor Wei Zheng, who was known for his blunt and frequent criticisms of the emperor.
“Using a copper mirror, one can see whether he is properly attired; using history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a state; using men as a mirror, one can see whether he is right or wrong.”
