In 1196, China was divided between the Southern Song dynasty (capital Lin'an, modern Hangzhou), ruled by Emperor Ningzong, and the Jurchen Jin dynasty in the north (central capital Zhongdu, modern Beijing), ruled by Emperor Zhangzong. The Mongol tribes lived on the steppe to the north.
🏛️ Politics
At the Southern Song court, the chancellor Han Tuozhou rose in influence under Emperor Ningzong, while the Neo-Confucian school of Zhu Xi came under official attack in the so-called campaign against 'false learning' (Qingyuan dangjin), which was in full swing around this time. The Jin state, ruled by Emperor Zhangzong, maintained the peace with the Song established in 1165 and 1208 treaties' predecessor arrangements, while it faced increasing pressure from Mongol and Khitan-related tribes on its northern frontier.
⚖️ Economy and society
The Southern Song economy was among the most commercialised in the world, based on rice cultivation in the Yangzi valley, overseas trade through ports such as Quanzhou and Mingzhou, and the use of paper money (huizi). In the north, Jurchen rulers governed a mixed population of Han Chinese farmers and Jurchen military households.
🔬 Science
No specific scientific achievement can be dated with confidence to 1196. Song-era technology, including printing, gunpowder use and navigational compasses, was well developed in this period.
🎭 Culture
Neo-Confucian thought, led by Zhu Xi, was officially suppressed at the Song court in this period, although it continued to circulate among scholars. Poetry and painting flourished in the south, with poets such as Xin Qiji and Lu You still active.
Key events
No precisely dated event known for this year.
Historical context
- 1127–1279
The Southern Song dynasty ruled south of the Huai River after the Jurchen conquest of the north, with its capital at Lin'an.
- 1115–1234
The Jin dynasty of the Jurchens controlled northern China until its destruction by the Mongols and the Southern Song.
- 1194–1224
Ningzong reigned over the Southern Song, a period marked by the dominance of court factions and the influence of Han Tuozhou.
- 1189–1208
Emperor Zhangzong reigned over the Jin dynasty.