An Lushan Rebellion

The An Lushan Rebellion was a major societal disturbance and turmoil which took place in China during the Tang Dynasty from December 16, 755 to February 17, 763 (although the effects lasted past this), beginning when general An Lushan declared himself emperor in Northern China, thus establishing a rival Yan Dynasty. This event is also known (especially in Chinese historiography) as the An-Shi Rebellion or An-Shi Disturbances (simplified Chinese: 安史之乱; traditional Chinese: 安史之亂; pinyin: Ān Shǐ Zhīluàn), as it continued after An Lushan's death under his son An Qingxu and his deputy and successor Shi Siming, or as the Tianbao Rebellion (天宝之乱), as it began in the 14th year of that era.

The rebellion spanned the reigns of three Tang emperors before it was quashed, and involved a wide range of regional powers; besides the Tang dynasty loyalists, others involved were anti-Tang families, especially in An Lushan's base area in Hebei, Arab, Gokturk, and Sogdian forces or influences, among others. The rebellion and subsequent disorder resulted in a huge loss of life and large-scale destruction. It significantly weakened the Tang dynasty, and led to the loss of the Western Regions.