Emperor Zhenzong facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emperor Zhenzong 宋真宗
Portrait on a hanging scroll, kept in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
Emperor of the Song dynasty
Reign	8 May 997 – 23 March 1022 (All with the Empress Liu)
Coronation	8 May 997
Predecessor	Emperor Taizong
Successor	Emperor Renzong
Regent	Empress Liu
Born	Zhao Dechang (968–983) Zhao Yuanxiu (983–986) Zhao Yuankan (986–995) Zhao Heng (995–1022) 23 December 968 Song dynasty
Died	23 March 1022(1022-03-23) (aged 53) Song dynasty
Burial	Yongding Mausoleum (永定陵, in present-day Gongyi, Henan)
Consorts	Empress Zhanghuai (m. 983; died 989) Empress Zhangmu (m. 991; died 1007) Empress Zhangxian ​ (before 1022)​ Empress Zhangyi ​ (before 1022)​ Empress Zhanghui (m. 995–1022)
Issue	Emperor Renzong Princess Zhaohuai
Era dates Xianping (咸平; 998–1003) Jingde (景德; 1004–1007) Dazhongxiangfu (大中祥符; 1008–1016) Tianxi (天禧; 1017–1021) Qianxing (乾興; 1022) Regnal name Emperor Chongwen Guangwu Shengming Renxiao (崇文廣武聖明仁孝皇帝); Emperor Chongwen Guangwu Yitian Zundao Baoying Zhangwei Shengming Renxiao(崇文廣武儀天尊道寶應章威聖明仁孝皇帝); Emperor Chongwen Guangwu Gantian Zundao Yingzhen Youde Shangsheng Qinming Renxiao (崇文廣武感天尊道應真佑德上聖欽明仁孝皇帝); Emperor Tiyuan Yuji Gantian Zundao Yingzhen Baoyun Wende Wugong Shangsheng Qinming Renxiao (體元御極感天尊道應真寶運文德武功上聖欽明仁孝皇帝); Emperor Yingtian Zundao Qinming Renxiao (應天尊道欽明仁孝皇帝) Posthumous name Emperor Yingfu Jigu Shengong Rangde Wenming Wuding Zhangsheng Yuanxiao (膺符稽古神功讓德文明武定章聖元孝皇帝) (conferred in 1047) Temple name Zhenzong (真宗)
House	Zhao
Dynasty	Song (Northern Song)
Father	Emperor Taizong
Mother	Empress Yuande

Emperor Zhenzong of Song (born 23 December 968, died 23 March 1022) was the third emperor of the Song dynasty in China. His personal name was Zhao Heng. He ruled from 997 until his death in 1022. Before becoming emperor, his name changed a few times. He was the third son of the previous emperor, Emperor Taizong. After Zhenzong's death, his sixth son, Emperor Renzong, became the next emperor. For the last two years of his life, Emperor Zhenzong was very ill. Because of this, his third wife, Empress Liu, helped manage the country's daily affairs.

Ruling the Song Empire

Tomb guardian at Emperor Zhenzong's tomb

Emperor Zhenzong's time as ruler was important for making the Song Empire stronger. The empire grew wealthy and its military became more powerful. However, his foreign policy with the Khitan-led Liao dynasty in the north led to some difficulties.

Peace Treaty with the Khitans

In 1004, the Khitans started a war against the Song Empire. Emperor Zhenzong led his army to fight back. Even though the Song army had some early wins, Emperor Zhenzong decided to sign a peace agreement in 1005. This agreement was called the Chanyuan Treaty.

The treaty brought over 100 years of peace. But it also meant the Song Empire had to accept a less powerful position than the Liao Empire. The Song also agreed to pay a yearly tribute. This tribute included 100,000 ounces of silver and over 200,000 bolts of silk. This agreement made the Song Empire seem weaker in foreign affairs. The payments also slowly used up the empire's money.

Boosting Agriculture

Emperor Zhenzong cared about making sure his people had enough food. From 1011 to 1012, he ordered a large shipment of special rice seeds. These seeds grew quickly and were sent from Fujian Province to the lower Yangtze river area. This helped improve farming and food production for many people. During his reign, a type of rice called Champa rice was also brought to China from Champa.

Importance of Taoism

Emperor Zhenzong believed that Taoism was very important. He encouraged its practice in his imperial court. During his rule, special "Heavenly Texts" were supposedly found. These texts praised the Zhao family, which was Emperor Zhenzong's family. After these texts were found, the emperor held special ceremonies at Mount Tai. From 1013 to 1015, he officially declared the Jade Emperor as the highest ruler of Heaven.

Empress Liu's Influence

In 1020, Emperor Zhenzong became very sick. He was unable to handle the country's affairs. At this time, his wife, Empress Liu, had already become very influential. She took over managing the government. She continued to act as the unofficial ruler of China for the last two years of Emperor Zhenzong's life.

Tomb of Emperor Zhenzong

Emperor Zhenzong died in 1022 because of his illness. His sixth son, Zhao Zhen, became the next emperor, known as Emperor Renzong. However, Empress Liu kept the real power. She became the empress dowager and continued to rule for some time.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of Emperor Zhenzong

See also

In Spanish: Song Zhenzong para niños