#98 - Tang 16: All Along the Watchtowers

We leave the capital behind to take a tour of the Tang Empire’s neighbors, both old and new. A tenuous peace with Tibet leads to a westward push putting the Chinese into contact – and eventual conflict – with the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate. Meanwhile, to the north and east rebellious Khitan tribesmen will spark a huge military buildup in the region under the control of one man, while the former Goguryeo reorganizes itself into the powerful state of Balhae, forcing the Tang Court to re-assess its diplomatic options.

Time Period Covered:

730-750 CE

Major Historical Figures:

Tang Dynasty:

Li Longji (Emperor Xuanzong of Tang) [r. 712-756]

Gen. Zhang Shougui, Military Governor of Fanyang

Gen. An Lushan, Military Governor of Pinglu, Prince of Dongping

Tibetan Kingdom:

Turgesh Kaghanate:

Sulu Kaghan [d. 738]

Abbasid Islamic Caliphate:

Second Turkic Kaghanate:

Bilgé Kaghan [r. 716-734]

Kul Tigin [d. 731]

Khitan and Xi Tribes:

Ketuyu [d. 733]

Balhae Kingdom:

King Go [r. 698-719]

King Mu [r. 719-737]

King Mun [r. 737-793]

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