Emperor Taizong of Tang (28January 598 10July 649), 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 co-founder 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 dynasty's most dangerous opponents and solidifying its rule over China.