The Tang Dynasty (June 18; 618 - June 1; 907) was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family; who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire.

The dynasty was interrupted briefly by the Second Zhou Dynasty (October 8; 690 - March 3; 705) when Empress Wu Zetian seized the throne; becoming the first and only Chinese empress regnant; ruling in her own right.