An Lushan Rebellion Begins: China's Deadliest Civil War
An Lushan commanded 164,000 troops when he declared himself emperor at Yanjing — not against the Tang emperor he'd charmed for years, but against Chancellor Yang Guozhong, who'd seen through him. The rebellion killed 36 million people over eight years, roughly one-sixth of the world's population at the time. Tang China never recovered its former strength. The dynasty limped on for 150 more years, but the golden age died with An Lushan's first move. He didn't even live to see year three — murdered by his own son in 757, blind and paranoid, the empire he destroyed still burning.
December 16, 755
1271 years ago
Key Figures & Places
China
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Tang Dynasty
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An Shi Rebellion
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An Lushan
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Chancellor of Tang Dynasty
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Yang Guozhong
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Fanyang
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Chancellor of the Tang Dynasty
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revolt
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Yanjing
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chancellor
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Tang Dynasty
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An Lushan
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China
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An Lushan rebellion
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Yang Guozhong
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Jicheng (Beijing)
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Imperio chino
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