Emperor Xuanzong of Tang

Li Longji (685–762) ruled the Tang dynasty from 712 to 756. His reign saw cultural and economic prosperity before the An Lushan Rebellion exposed severe political and military weaknesses.

Wu Zetian: Wu Zetian (624–705) was the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right. Her rule reshaped Tang court politics before Xuanzong came to power.
Tang dynasty: The Tang dynasty (618–907) ruled China during a period of political expansion and cultural influence. Xuanzong’s reign was a major phase in the dynasty’s history.
Yang Guifei: Yang Guifei (719–756) was a favored consort of Xuanzong and a celebrated figure in Chinese literature and art. Later accounts made her relationship with Xuanzong central to explanations of the dynasty’s crisis.
An Lushan Rebellion: The An Lushan Rebellion (755–763) was a major uprising that devastated the Tang dynasty. It ended Xuanzong’s effective rule and destabilized the empire.
Tang music: Tang music encompassed court, ritual, and popular musical traditions of the dynasty. Xuanzong’s patronage and musical interests became prominent in accounts of his court.
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang: Li Xian (656–710) was a Tang emperor whose reigns were interrupted by Wu Zetian’s rule. His death in 710 triggered the court crisis that enabled Xuanzong’s ascent.
Three Departments and Six Ministries: The Three Departments and Six Ministries were the central institutions of imperial Chinese government. Their administration provided the machinery through which Xuanzong governed.
An Lushan: An Lushan (703–757) was a Tang general whose rebellion devastated the dynasty. His revolt began in 755 and forced Xuanzong to flee the capital.
Battle of Mawei: The 756 mutiny at Mawei was a turning point during Xuanzong’s flight from the rebels. Soldiers demanded Yang Guifei’s death, binding the emperor’s retreat to her fate.
梨園: The Pear Garden was a court institution associated with training musicians and performers under Xuanzong. Tradition credits Xuanzong with founding it, linking his court to later performance culture.

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