The Weak Song Dynasty: An Age of Greatness

The Song dynasty fell twice to invasions by northern peoples, and the judgment that it was a "weak Song" has nearly become historical consensus. Yet the two Song dynasties lasted 319 years. They founded their rule on civil governance and achieved brilliant accomplishments in state administration, institutions and culture, literature, and the arts. Most Northern Song emperors were rulers who took action, and they promoted reforms on three occasions, with Wang Anshi's reforms having a particularly profound impact. The Song era produced distinguished scholars and brilliant generals, and its literati embodied the highest ideals of integrity, creating epic memories in the history of our national spirit. In warfare, military strength, and territorial expansion, the Song left few achievements for later generations to take pride in. But in state administration, and in the realms of spirit and culture, the Song left a vivid and lasting legacy. The so-called "weak Song" was, in fact, a flourishing Song: it created a peak of political civilization in ancient China. It unleashed a sweeping tide of reform. It nurtured scholars of unyielding integrity. It was an extraordinary dynasty worth pausing to look back upon.