Research On Zhenwu Town In The Tang Dynasty

The military governor issue lies at the core of the study on the history of Tang Dynasty, through which we can further understand the comprehensive outlook of Tang Dynasty in terms of politics and economy. Tang Dynasty capitalized one military government to control the other after the An-shi Rebellion. To keep the large military government in control, the imperial court decided to weaken and divide the military government so as to consolidate its rein. Under this circumstance, Zhenwu Town was separated from the Shuofang Town. The establishment of Zhenwu Town was of great significance to the protection of capital and border. In this paper, with Zhenwu Town as the research object, its important role in the late Tang Dynasty was discussed in terms of its establishment and evolution, economy, ethnic composition and the relation between Zhenwu Town and central government and other local governments.Zhenwu Town was set in 758, its principal prefectures were Shengzhou, Linzhou,east capitulated city, middle capitulated city and Chanyu Supervision Office, etc. For it was located at the top of northern area to Beijing, it has great significance to defense the intrusion of ethnic minorities, strengthen the exchange and communication with ethnic minorities.Zhenwu Town was a region mixed with the agriculture and animal husbandry,however, its agriculture, handicraft and commerce have been developed to some extent. Additionally, both the minorities and Han people were living here in a compact community which meant there were both the ethnic conflicts and national integration in this region. In general, Zhenwu Town was conducive to consolidate a unified multi-ethnic country.To a certain degree, Zhenwu Town was set up to weaken the power of commanderies and avoid the re-emergence of the Rebellion of An Lushan and Shi Siming. Thereby, a variety of measures were taken by central government of Tang Dynasty to strengthen the control on Zhenwu Town. Simultaneously, for the Zhenwu Town was located in the frontier, its strength was relatively puniness and relied the central government in terms of economy and other aspects. Thus,Zhenwu Town was a submissive town to the central government.Regarding the geographical location,Zhenwu Town was close to Tiande Town,their primary mission was to resist Uighur. They cooperated with each other in the political, economic and military aspects to surround and protect the capital jointly.Besides, Zhenwu Town has inextricably links with Shuofang Town, Heyang Town.Research on this aspect is helpful for us to understand the development condition of Zhenwu Town in the late Tang Dynasty.In summary, on the one hand, the set-up of Zhenwu Town in the late Tang Dynasty is conducive to weaken and balance the Shuofang Commandery; on the other hand, it has crucial significance to guard the capital and also strengthen the defense of the frontier.