Sung Dynasty

The Sung Dynasty or Song Dynasty as it is more commonly known is really two dynasties: Northern Song, from 960 to 1127, and Southern Song, from 1127 to 1279. The Northern Dynasty’s capital was Dongjing, now known as Kaifeng. The emperor reduced the power of officials, which provided some stability, but the reforms were not enough to insure long-term prosperity, and the dynasty was taken over by the Jin Dynasty

However, King Kang escaped the takeover and established the Southern Song Dynasty south of the Yangtze River. Rulers pursued a policy of peace, even paying tribute to the Jin rulers, but, alas, peace was not to be.

The Song Dynasty is known for its scientific, technological and cultural achievements. Paper money was introduced in this period.