![First Emperor of the Song Dynasty Taizu](https://www.onthisday.com/images/people/taizu.jpg?w=360)
Full Name: Zhao Kuangyin
Profession: First Emperor of the Song Dynasty
Biography: Taizu was the first emperor of the Song dynasty of China, reigning from 960 until he died in 976.
He came to power after staging a military coup d'état against Emperor Gong and forcing him to abdicate the throne.
During his rule, Taizu reformed China by increasing the role of civilian administration at the expense of military influence.
Born: March 21, 927
Birthplace: Luoyang, Henan, China
Star Sign: Aries
Died: November 14, 976 (aged 49)
Cause of Death: Folklore suggests he was murdered by his younger brother and successor Emperor Taizong. This is recorded in the story "shadows by the candle and sounds from an axe".
Historical Events
- 0960-02-04 Coronation of Zhao Kuangyin as Emperor Taizu of the Song, initiating three centuries of Song Dynasty dominance in southern China