Li Yuan, << LEE yoo AHN >> (A.D. 566-635), a Chinese emperor, founded the Tang dynasty (A.D. 618-907). Historians consider this dynasty one of the greatest periods in Chinese history. Li Yuan reigned from 618 to 626. He established Tang control over rebellious sections of central and south China and defeated the Turks who were invading from the north.
Li Yuan was born in Chang’an (now Xi’an) of a noble family. He became a general and served from 615 to 617 as military commander in Shanxi province in north China. Li was loyal to the emperor until 617. In that year, Li’s son Li Shimin persuaded him to rebel. Li Yuan’s forces captured Chang’an, the western capital of the ruling Sui dynasty. In 618, the Sui ruler was murdered during a rebellion and Li became emperor. In 626, Li Shimin forced his father from the throne and became the second emperor of the Tang dynasty. Li Yuan died on June 25, 635.
