DK - China Through Time

10

Can you spot the guard whose shield is painted with the face of a tiger? The Yellow River connects the growing city of Kaifeng to the Grand Canal.

The men huddle around the fire to keep warm, singing songs and toasting bread.

Only the strongest guards carry the

modao

, a long, heavy sword with a wide steel blade used to fight the enemy cavalry.

Red tassels on a soldier’s helmet indicate that he holds a superior rank.

A Military Coup

Kaifeng, 960 ce

China is without a strong leader and has descended into civil war.

Zhao Kuangyin, chief commander of the imperial guard, is a

powerful and popular figure. On a winter’s night, his loyal guards

surround his quarters near Kaifeng, cheering their support. Over

dinner, his officers drop to their knees and declare him emperor.

Now Emperor Taizu, he founds the Song Dynasty, which unites

China, and brings peace and a golden age of culture and science.

Yellow River

The moon Venus

Infantry

Army tent

Charcoal

brazier

Heavily armed

bodyguard

Soldiers of the

imperial guard

Military flags

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