Chang’an in the Post Classical Era
Chang’an in the Post Classical Era Chang’an, literally meaning “constant peace”, was the most cosmopolitan city in the world during the Post Classical Era and the best known segment of the Silk Road. With a population of about two million at its largest, Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, was a major conduit for China’s second Golden Age. Although Chang’an was a cultural melting pot influenced by foreigners such as the Turks and Indians, it was economically, politically, and socially unique. Economically, the Equal Field System, Grand Canal, production of high-demand crops, and market places allowed the government to prosper and the general wealth of the city to flourish, while contributing to trade. Politically, the Tang dynasty, along with its court and bureaucratic approach based on merit, enabled Chang’an to attain peace and organization. Socially, Chang’an’s contributions to Buddhism, formation of Neo- Confucianism, and arts created a dynamic culture. Although Chang’an was a cultural melting pot influenced by foreigners such as the Turks and Indians, it was economically, politically, and socially unique. Economically, the Equal Field System, Grand Canal, production of high-demand crops, and market places allowed the government to prosper and the general wealth of the city to flourish, while contributing to trade. Politically, the Tang dynasty, along with its court and bureaucratic approach based on merit, enabled Chang’an, seat of the emperor and Tang court, to attain peace and organization. Socially, Chang’an’s contributions to Buddhism, formation of Neo- Confucianism, and arts created a dynamic culture. Being the bustling capital of the tremendous Tang Dynasty, Chang’an was profoundly involved in economic affairs, which enabled stability and encouraged overwhelming prosperity, directly resulting in China’s second Golden Age. The emperor, who lived in and directed the empire from Chang’an, enforced bureaucratic policies such as land
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