Emperor Ningzong of Song

Reign: 1194 – 1224
Life: 1168–1224

He was the second son and the only surviving child of his predecessor Guangzong and like his father, Ningzong was weak-minded; easily dominated by women. During Ningzong's reign, he had built 75 commemorative shrines and steles, the most in Song history. He was a great patron of art, promoting artists such as Liang Kai and Ma Yuan to painter-in-waiting and writing poems about their paintings. Upon Ningzong's death, a minor official and a remote relative of Ningzong became Emperor Lizong.

During Emperor Ningzong of Song's reign, Alfonso VIII of Castile ruled Spain, John, King of England ruled England, and Sancho I of Portugal ruled Portugal.

Want to learn more? Further reading

China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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