The Daming Palace was a massive imperial palace complex in Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty in China. It was built during the reign of Emperor Taizong in the early 7th century and served as the political and cultural center of the Tang Dynasty for over two centuries. However, in the year 904, the palace was destroyed in a massive fire that was intentionally set by a rebel army led by Zhu Quanzhong, who was also known as Huang Chao.
Zhu Quanzhong was a former Tang Dynasty general who had rebelled against the government and created his own army. He had become increasingly powerful and had been a constant threat to the Tang Dynasty for several years. In 904, he and his army marched on Chang’an, the capital city of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang forces were unable to repel the rebels, and Zhu Quanzhong was able to capture the city.
Once he had taken control of Chang’an, Zhu Quanzhong ordered his troops to set fire to the Daming Palace. The palace was an enormous complex that covered over 3 square kilometers, and it was filled with treasures, including works of art, rare books, and other valuable items. The fire burned for several days, and it was so intense that it destroyed most of the palace, leaving only a few ruins and relics behind.
The reasons behind Zhu Quanzhong’s decision to destroy the palace are not entirely clear. Some historians suggest that he did it as an act of revenge against the Tang Dynasty, which had defeated and exiled him years earlier. Others believe that he may have destroyed the palace to prevent it from falling into the hands of his enemies, or to eliminate a symbol of the Tang Dynasty’s power and influence.
Whatever the reasons behind the destruction of the Daming Palace, it was a significant loss for the Tang Dynasty and for Chinese history. The palace was one of the most magnificent structures of its time, and it housed some of the most valuable cultural treasures of the Tang Dynasty. Its destruction was a tragic event that marked the end of an era in Chinese history.