T'ang

/tahng/, n.

a dynasty in China, A.D. 618-907, marked by territorial expansion, the invention of printing, and the high development of poetry.

Also, Tang.

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(as used in expressions)

Li T'ang

Lin Yü t'ang

T'ang dynasty

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▪ Chinese emperor

Pinyin  Tang,  also called  (Wade-Giles romanization) Ch'eng-t'ang, or Ta-i, or T'ien-i 

flourished 18th century BC

      Chinese emperor who overthrew the Hsia dynasty and founded the Shang dynasty (traditionally dated 1766–1122 BC; some modern scholars believe it lasted from the mid-16th to the mid-11th century BC).

      As a historical figure, T'ang was apparently a scion of a noble family. According to legend, he was a descendant of the mythical sage-king the Yellow Emperor (Huang Ti). T'ang is also said to have revolted against the evil last ruler of the Hsia dynasty after reading on the shell of a tortoise a prophecy that he would do so.

      Revered as a humane and generous ruler, T'ang 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.

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