Rise of the Tang Dynasty : The Reunification of China and the Military Response to the Steppe Nomads (AD 581-626)

"Julian Romane examines the military events behind the emergence of the Sui and Tang dynasties in the period 581-626 AD. Narrating the campaigns and battles, he analyses in detail the strategy and tactics employed, a central theme being the collision of the steppe cavalry with Chinese infantry armies. By the fourth century AD, horse nomads had seized northern China. Conflict with these Turkic interlopers continued throughout the 5th and most of the 6th century. The emergence of the Sui dynasty (581-618) brought some progress but internal weakness led to their rapid collapse. The succeeding House of Tang, however, provided the necessary stability and leadership to underpin military success. This was largely the achievement of Li Shimin, who later became the second Tang Emperor. By the start of Li Shimin s reign as Emperor Tang Taizong, effective military organizations had been developed and China reunified. His military campaigns are examples of tactical and strategic virtuosity that demonstrate the application of the distinctive Chinese way of war expounded in Chinese military manuals, including Li Shimin s own writings." --Publisher description Julian Romane examines the military events behind the emergence of the Sui and Tang dynasties in the period 581-626 AD. Narrating the campaigns and battles, he analyzes in detail the strategy and tactics employed, a central theme being the collision of the steppe cavalry with Chinese infantry armies. By the fourth century AD, horse nomads had seized northern China. Conflict with these Turkic interlopers continued throughout the 5th and most of the 6th century. The emergence of the Sui dynasty (581-618) brought some progress but internal weakness led to their rapid collapse. The succeeding House of Tang, however, provided the necessary stability and leadership to underpin military success. This was largely the achievement of Li Shimin, who later became the second Tang Emperor. By the start of Li Shimin's reign as Emperor Tang Taizong, effective military organizations had been developed and China reunified. His military campaigns are examples of tactical and strategic virtuosity that demonstrate the application of the distinctive Chinese way of war expounded in Chinese military manuals, including Li Shimin's own writings. Cover Book Title Copyright Contents Acknowledgements Technical Issues Introduction China and her Military PART I The House of Yang Chapter 1 The Establishment of the Sui Dynasty Chapter 2 Imperial Consolidation Chapter 3 The Imperial State Weakens Chapter 4 The Reign Fails Chapter 5 Rise of the House of Li Chapter 6 War for Guanzhong Plate section PART II The House of Li Chapter 7 Battles for the Heart of China Chapter 8 War for Domination I Chapter 9 War for Domination II Chapter 10 Tang Victorious Chapter 11 Imperial Consolidation Chapter 12 Rivalry in the House of Li Conclusion Appendix 1 Chronology of Chinese Dynasties Appendix 2 Military Geography of China Appendix 3 The Great Cities of the Sui and Tang Dynasties Appendix 4 Chinese Art of History Appendix 5 Chinese Military Handbooks Appendix 6 The Great Eurasian Routes Appendix 7 The Horse and the Steppe Appendix 8 Li Shimin’s Horses Appendix 9 Chinese Imperial Armies Bibliography Index Back Cover Julian Romane. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 207-211) And Index.