Tang administrative divisions

Tang administrative divisions were the administrative divisions of the Tang Dynasty, which was a Chinese dynasty that ruled China from 618 to 907. The Tang administrative divisions were established by the Emperor Gaozu of Tang and were based on the Sui Dynasty's administrative system, with modifications made by the Emperor Taizong of Tang and other rulers. The Tang administrative divisions played a crucial role in the governance of the Tang Empire, which was a vast and complex entity that included Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and parts of Central Asia. The divisions were also influenced by the An Lushan Rebellion, which led to significant changes in the administrative structure of the empire.

Introduction to Tang Administrative Divisions

The Tang administrative divisions were characterized by a hierarchical system, with the Emperor of China at the top and a network of officials and administrators below him. The system was designed to facilitate the collection of taxes, the maintenance of law and order, and the provision of public services such as irrigation and road construction. The Tang administrative divisions were also influenced by the Confucianism and Taoism philosophies, which emphasized the importance of social hierarchy and bureaucratic organization. Key figures such as Du Fu, Bai Juyi, and Han Yu wrote about the administrative divisions and their impact on Chinese society. The divisions were also studied by Japanese and Korean scholars, who were interested in the Tang Dynasty's system of governance.

Provincial-Level Divisions

The provincial-level divisions of the Tang Dynasty were known as dao or lu, and were established during the reign of the Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. These divisions were responsible for the administration of large areas of territory, and were typically governed by a jiedushi or military governor. The provincial-level divisions were further subdivided into prefectures, which were known as zhou or jun. Notable jiedushi included An Lushan, Shi Siming, and Zhu Ci. The Sogdians, Uighurs, and Tibetans also played important roles in the provincial-level divisions. The divisions were influenced by the Battle of Talas, the An Lushan Rebellion, and the Tang-Mongol alliance.

Prefectural-Level Divisions

The prefectural-level divisions of the Tang Dynasty were known as zhou or jun, and were responsible for the administration of smaller areas of territory. These divisions were typically governed by a zhoumu or prefect, who was responsible for the collection of taxes, the maintenance of law and order, and the provision of public services. The prefectural-level divisions were further subdivided into counties, which were known as xian. Notable zhoumu included Wu Zetian, Xue Yuanchao, and Li Deyu. The Buddhist and Taoist temples, such as the White Horse Temple and the Taoist Temple of the White Clouds, played important roles in the prefectural-level divisions. The divisions were influenced by the Tang-Song transition, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and the Jin-Song Wars.

County-Level Divisions

The county-level divisions of the Tang Dynasty were known as xian, and were the smallest units of administration. These divisions were typically governed by a xianling or county magistrate, who was responsible for the collection of taxes, the maintenance of law and order, and the provision of public services. The county-level divisions were also responsible for the administration of villages and towns, which were known as xiang and zhen. Notable xianling included Ouyang Xiu, Su Shi, and Huang Tingjian. The Silk Road, the Grand Canal, and the Yellow River played important roles in the county-level divisions. The divisions were influenced by the Tang-Tibetan Treaty, the Tang-Khitan alliance, and the Jurchen people.

Evolution of Administrative Divisions

The Tang administrative divisions underwent significant changes during the course of the dynasty. The Emperor Xuanzong of Tang introduced a number of reforms, including the establishment of the jiedushi system, which gave military governors greater autonomy and power. The An Lushan Rebellion led to a significant increase in the power of the jiedushi, who became virtual warlords. The Tang-Mongol alliance and the Tang-Tibetan Treaty also influenced the evolution of the administrative divisions. Notable events, such as the Battle of Langshan Jiang and the Siege of Suiyang, played important roles in shaping the administrative divisions. The divisions were also influenced by the Uighur Khaganate, the Tibetan Empire, and the Nanzhao.

Special Administrative Regions

The Tang Dynasty also established a number of special administrative regions, including the dufu or capital prefecture, which was responsible for the administration of the capital city, Chang'an. The jingji or capital city was also a special administrative region, and was governed by a jingzhao or capital prefect. The Tangut people and the Qiang people played important roles in the special administrative regions. The Buddhist and Taoist temples, such as the Famen Temple and the Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals, were also important in the special administrative regions. The divisions were influenced by the Tang-Song transition, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and the Jin-Song Wars. Category:Chinese historical administrative divisions