Zhao Guangyi

MedievalEmperorChina939 — 997

Song Taizong who completed the unification of the empire.

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Quick Facts

Born

939

Died

997

Country

China

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)63

Political (20%)60

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)52

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)66

Total Score59.5

Zhao Guangyi — Complete Timeline

979 AD

Completed unification of ChinaWar◆ Major

Zhao Guangyi conquered the Northern Han kingdom, the last remaining independent state. This completed the Song unification of China, ending the Five Dynasties period.

Song dynastyUnificationNorthern Han

Impact: national

Failed campaign against Liao dynastyWar◆ Major

Zhao Guangyi led an invasion of the Liao dynasty's territory but was defeated at the Battle of Gaoliang River. This failure ended Song attempts to recover the Sixteen Prefectures.

Song-Liao warBattleDefeat

Impact: regionaldestructive

980 AD

Expanded civil service examination systemReform

Zhao Guangyi expanded the civil service examination system, increasing the number of successful candidates and reducing the influence of aristocratic families in government.

Song dynastyReformCivil service

Impact: nationalconstructive