The Song dynasty ruled China for three centuries and was founded by the general Zhao Kuangyin, who became Emperor Taizu after the chaotic Five Dynasties period. The Northern Song capital was Kaifeng, until Jurchen invaders captured it in 1127, after which the dynasty continued in the south as the Southern Song, ruling from Hangzhou. The period saw a commercial revolution, rapid growth of cities, and advances in printing with movable type, gunpowder weapons, the magnetic compass and the use of paper money. Neo-Confucianism developed, and civil service examinations opened government to talented scholars. The Mongols conquered the Southern Song in 1279, completing their conquest of China.
Before and after
- 937 CEBattle of Brunanburh
- 3 January 940 CEBirth of Ferdowsi
- c. 944 CEOrigins of Algiers
- 946 CEConstruction of Monastery of Saint John of Rila
- from 960 CE to 1279Song dynasty
- from 2 February 962 CE to 6 August 1806Holy Roman Empire
- from 963 CE to 965 CESiege of Rometta
- 965 CEBirth of Ibn al-Haytham
- 965 CEFounding of Kingdom of Denmark
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- from 618 CE to 907 CETang dynasty
- 637 CEConstruction of Potala Palace
- from 750 CE to 1258Abbasid Caliphate
- from 800 CE to 1258Islamic Golden Age
- 1070Construction of Windsor Castle
- 1460Construction of Topkapı Palace
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 10th century.