The "15-year-old dynasty that created the Seven Great Monumental Projects" is most likely referring to the Sui Dynasty (581-618) in Chinese history. Although the Sui Dynasty lasted for a short time, it did pioneer many magnificent projects during the Kaihuang and Renshou periods (i.e., the periods of Emperor Wen of Sui and Emperor Yang of Sui), which had a profound impact on the history of China and the world. Here are a few famous large-scale projects of the Sui Dynasty:
1.Grand Canal (Sui and Tang Grand Canal): In order to strengthen the economic and military control of the north and south of the country, Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty organized manpower to connect many existing rivers and lakes, and excavated this huge water conservancy project running through the north and south, which is more than 1,000 kilometers long. It greatly promoted the trade flow and cultural exchanges between the North and the South.
2.The Great Wall of Sui: In order to defend against the invasion of the northern peoples, the Sui Dynasty strengthened and expanded on the basis of the Great Wall of the previous dynasty.
3.Luoyang City: As the eastern capital, Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty ordered the expansion of Luoyang City, making it one of the largest and most rigorous capitals in the world at that time.
4.Building palaces and mausoleums: The Sui Dynasty built large-scale imperial palaces and underground palaces, such as the Daxing Palace in Daxing City.
5.Opening of Cao Canals: The Sui Dynasty also opened many Cao Canals, which ensured the transportation of food and materials, and played an important role in maintaining the government and the army.
6.Building monasteries: In order to strengthen the management of Buddhism and use Buddhism to maintain its rule, the Sui Dynasty built many large monasteries, such as Famen Temple.
7.Social laws and cultural undertakings: In terms of culture, the Sui Dynasty carried out large-scale book compilation activities, such as the compilation of the Book of Sui and the implementation of the imperial examination system.
Although the large-scale projects of the Sui Dynasty promoted economic prosperity and cultural progress, these projects also imposed a heavy burden on the people. Massive conscription and taxation, combined with the extravagance of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty in his later years and successive wars against Goguryeo, eventually led to the revolt of the people and the collapse of the Sui Dynasty. In 618, the Sui Dynasty was overthrown by a rebel army led by Li Yuan, and the Tang Dynasty was established. Although the Sui Dynasty ruled for a short time, it left an indelible mark on the history of China and even the history of world civilization.
This 15-year-old dynasty has left behind many valuable cultural heritages, let us pay tribute to these great ancient buildings together, let us pay tribute to this great civilization together!