Anshi Rebellion - Definition and Overview

The Anshi Rebellion (安史之亂 pinyin: an1 shi3 zhi1 luan4) occurred in China, during the Tang Dynasty, from 756 to 763. It is also known as the Tianbao Rebellion (天寶之亂), because An Lushan started it in the 14th year of the namesake era. The alternative term An Lushan Rebellion neglected the participation of Shi Siming, a subordinate of An Lushan and later leader of the rebellion after murdering An Lushan's son An Qingxu.

The rebellion spanned the reigns of three emperors. The first emperor, Xuanzong, escaped to Sichuan. Xuanzong's army demanded the death of an official, Yang Guozhong, and his cousin, Lady Yang. Emperor Suzong, (3rd or 4th) son of Xuanzong, was proclaimed emperor by the accompanying army and eunuchs while another group of local officials and Confucian literati proclaimed another prince at Jinling (today Nanjing).

The rebellion was suppressed during the reign of Daizong by generals Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi (李光弼). Although successful at suppressing the rebellion, the Tang Dynasty was badly weakened by it and in its remaining years was troubled by persistent warlordism. The death toll of the rebellion according to various sources (http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat0.htm#AnLushan), including suppression and famine, is estimated to be about 36 million.