Beginning of Song Dynasty

Date: February 4, 960 • Location: Beijing, China

Emperor Taizu (pictured) came to power, initiating the Song dynasty of China that eventually lasted for more than three centuries.

Emperor Taizu of Song, personal name Zhao Kuangyin, courtesy name Yuanlang, was the founding emperor of the Song dynasty of China. He reigned from 960 until his death in 976. Formerly a distinguished military general of the Later Zhou dynasty, Emperor Taizu came to power after staging a coup d'état and forcing Emperor Gong, the last Later Zhou ruler, to abdicate the throne in his favor.