Emperor Taizong of Tang facts for kids

Emperor Taizong of Tang (born Li Shimin, January 23, 599 – July 10, 649) was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He was the emperor who conquered all of China under Tang control. His ancestral name is Taizong. His rule of the Tang Dynasty earned him the nickname of "Rome of the East" by the Romans. His throne name was Zhenguan. This was considered one of the best times of rule in China. Taizong had three siblings: two brothers and a sister. They were: Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji and Princess Pingyang.

Images for kids

A portrait of Emperor Yang of Sui, by the Tang court artist Yan Liben (600–673)
Portrait painting of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, father of Li Shimin
Armoured horseman, Tang dynasty
Tomb soldier figurine, Tang dynasty
Emperor Taizong depicted giving an audience to Gar Tongtsen Yulsung, the ambassador of the Tibetan Empire, in a later copy of a painting by court artist Yan Liben (600–673 AD)
Detail of Yan Liben's painting on the reception of the Tibetan envoy, showing Tang Taizong
Fountain Memory, calligraphy of Emperor Taizong on a Tang stele.
Fanciful modern representation of the Byzantine embassy to Tang Taizong in 643 CE.
According to the Xi'an Stele, Emperor Taizong recognized the Nestorian Church of the East, due to efforts of the Christian missionary Alopen in 635 CE.
The Sui dynasty tried to invade Goguryeo in 598, 612, 613 & 614. Taizong campaign (map) was in 645. Gaozong's campaigns were in 661, 667 & 668.
A bas-relief of a soldier and horse with elaborate saddle and stirrups, from the tomb of Emperor Taizong, c. 650. The relief shown here depicts "Autumn Dew," also known as "Whirlwind Victory" and is housed at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, PA.