Tang Luoyang I

The founding of the Tang on June 18, 618 ¹ inaugurated a new era that would bring political stability, economic prosperity, military supremacy, and cultural efflorescence. But the nascent dynasty drew abundantly on the rich heritages of the Sui, including its political structure, economic system, military organization, and significant tangible assets such as the Grand Canal and Luoyang. Under the Tang and Wu Zetian, Luoyang evolved into China’s paramount metropolis – the Divine Capital. In his “Rhapsody on the Eastern Capital,” the Late Tang writer Li Yu succinctly brings into focus the advantages of the city: The Red District and the Divine Land, It rivals the [Western] Metropolis. Relying on tribute and taxes from Shandong, It dominates the local lords outside the Pass. The imperial carriages head directly for Qi and Liang, Ships pass through rivers to the Huai and Bian. ²