Xuanzongs

Xuanzong refers to one of two prominent emperors of the Tang Dynasty of China. The first, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (born Li Longji, 685–762), reigned from 712 to 756. His early reign is often considered a golden age of the Tang Dynasty, characterized by political stability, economic prosperity, and flourishing arts and culture. He was a patron of music and poetry, and his court attracted many talented individuals. However, his later reign was marked by the An Lushan Rebellion, a devastating conflict that significantly weakened the empire. His infatuation with his concubine Yang Guifei also became a point of historical criticism.

The second emperor to bear the posthumous name Xuanzong was Emperor Xuanzong of Later Tang (born Li Siyuan, 888–933), who ruled from 923 to 933. He was a military leader who founded the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a turbulent era following the collapse of the Tang. His reign was relatively short and faced numerous challenges, including internal rebellions and external threats. While he achieved significant military successes in establishing his dynasty, the Later Tang proved to be a short-lived regime. When referring to "Xuanzong" without further qualification, the former, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, is usually the intended subject due to his longer and more impactful reign.