More to Explore
Related Topics
Recommended Articles
-
Fu Xi
first mythical emperor of China. His miraculous birth, as a divine being with a serpent's body, is said to have occurred in the 29th century BCE.
-
Huangdi
third of ancient China's mythological emperors, a culture hero and patron saint of Daoism.
-
Yao
in Chinese mythology, a legendary emperor (c. 24th century BC) of the golden age of antiquity, exalted by Confucius as an inspiration and perennial model of virtue, righteousness, and unselfish devotion.
-
Qianlong
(born Sept. 25, 1711, China—died Feb. 7, 1799, Beijing) reign name (nianhao) of the fourth emperor of the Qing (Manchu) dynasty (1644–1911/12), whose six-decade reign (1735–96) was one of the longest in Chinese history.
(Flourished 17th–16th century? BC) reign name of the Chinese emperor who overthrew the Xia dynasty (c. 2070–c. 1600 BC) and founded the Shang, the first historical dynasty ( c. 1600–1046 BC, though the dating of the Shang—and hence also of the Tang emperor's founding of it—have long been the subject of much debate).
As a historical figure, Tang was apparently a scion of a noble family. According to legend, he was a descendant of the mythical sage-king Huangdi (the “Yellow Emperor”). Tang is also said to have revolted against the evil last ruler of the Xia dynasty after reading on the shell of a tortoise a prophecy that he would do so.
Revered as a humane and generous ruler, Tang is said to have offered himself as a sacrifice to Heaven during a drought. Rain fell before the ceremony ended, however, and he was spared. He is usually represented as a nine-foot-tall, white-faced, whiskered man with a pointed head, six-jointed arms, and a body markedly larger on one side than on the other.
Copyright © 1994-2011 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. For more information visit Britannica.com.
Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!
This Day in History
Feb 9
Lead Story
Satchel Paige nominated to Baseball Hall of Fame, 1971
On this day in 1971, pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige becomes the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame. In August of that…
Shop HISTORY
-
Ancient Battles and Buildings Collection
See the engineering achievements that stand as the stepping stones for modern civilization.
$69.99
-
Email Updates
Keep up with the latest History shows, online features, special offers and more.
Sign up
