Emperor Gaozu of Tang China - Definition and Overview

Emperor Gaozu of Tang China
Birth and death:	566–Jun. 25, 635
Family name:	Li (李)
Given name:	Yuan (淵)</small>
Courtesy name (字):	Shude (叔德)</small>
Dates of reign:	Jun. 18, 618¹–Sept. 4, 626²
Dynasty:	Tang (唐)
Temple name:	Gaozu (高祖)
Posthumous name: (short)	Emperor Shenyao³ (神堯皇帝)
Posthumous name: (full)	Emperor Shenyao Dasheng Daguang Xiao4 神堯大聖大光孝皇帝
General note: Dates given here are in the Julian calendar. They are not in the proleptic Gregorian calendar.
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1. Was already in control of Chang'an and de facto master of China since December 12, 617
2. Abdicated in favor of his son, and was granted the title Taishang Huang (太上皇), a title reserved for retired emperors.
3. Given in 674
4. Given in 754

Emperor Gaozu of Tang China (566 - June 25, 635), born Li Yuan, was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626.