The siege of Suiyang was a military campaign during the An Lushan Rebellion, launched by the rebel Yan army to capture the city of Suiyang from the loyalist forces of the Tang army. Although the battle was ultimately won by the Yan army, it suffered a major loss of manpower and time. The battle was noted for the Tang army's determination to fight to the last man, as well as the large-scale cannibalism that occurred during the siege.
Zhang Xun
Fall of Suiyang
Wen Tianxiang praised the loyalty and persistence of the defenders
The An Lushan rebellion was an eight-year civil war during the mid-point of the Tang dynasty that started as a commandery rebellion, attempting to overthrow and replace the Imperial Government with the rogue Yan dynasty. The rebels succeeded in capturing the imperial capital Chang'an after the emperor had fled to Sichuan, but eventually succumbed to internal divisions and counter-attacks by the Tang and their allies. The rebellion spanned the reigns of three Tang emperors.
Tang dynasty sancai pottery camel with a Sogdian groom
Camel with rider, earthenware, Tang dynasty
Yang Guifei Mounting a Horse, by Qian Xuan (1235–1305)
This painting, in the manner of Li Zhaodao (651–716), from the 11th century, shows Emperor Xuanzong of Tang fleeing to Sichuan province from Chang'an to escape the violence. Later artists produced numerous versions of this painting, including one by Qiu Ying in the Ming dynasty.
