Li Yuan

First emperor of the Tang dynasty of China, known also as Gaozu (r.618–26). Li Yuan was military governor of Taiyuan in northern China. With the empire facing collapse as a result of the disastrous rule of the Sui emperor Yang (r.604–17), he mounted a military coup. In 617 he captured the Sui capital Luoyang and executed Yang. The following year at Chang’an Li Yuan proclaimed the Tang dynasty. In 626 he abdicated in favor of his son Li Shi-min, who became emperor under the title Taizong. Li Yuan died in 635.