Emperor Taizong of Tang

Emperor Taizong of Tang , previously Prince of Qin, personal name Li Shimin, was the second emperor of the Tang dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649. He is traditionally regarded as a cofounder of the dynasty for his role in encouraging Li Yuan, his father, to rebel against the Sui dynasty at Jinyang in 617. Taizong subsequently played a pivotal role in defeating several of the dynastys most dangerous opponents and solidifying its rule over China.

L Shmn was born in 598 at Wugong . His father Li Yuan the Duke of Tang was a general of the Sui Dynasty and a nephew, by marriage, to Suis founding emperor Emperor Wen, as Li Shimins grandmother Duchess Dugu was a sister of Empress Dugu both were daughters of Dugu Xin , a major general during Suis predecessor dynasty Northern Zhou. Li Shimins mother was Li Yuans wife Duchess Dou, who was a daughter of Dou Yi the Duke of Shenwu and Dou Yis wife, Northern Zhous Princess Xiangyang. Duchess Dou bore Li Yuan four sonsan older brother to Li Shimin, Li Jiancheng, and two younger brothers, Li Xuanba and Li Yuanji and at least one daughter . Li Yuan named Li Shimin Shimin as a shortened form of the phrase save the earth and pacify the people . Li Shimin apparently showed talent early in his life, and in 613, the official Gao Shilian, impressed with him, gave him a niece in marriage as his wife he wasand she was 12. In 615, when Emperor Wens son and successor Emperor Yang was ambushed b

Source: Wikipedia