Emperor Yang of Sui Biography

Yangdi, also known as Emperor Yang of Sui, was the second emperor of China's Sui dynasty who ruled from 604 until his death in 618. Born as the second son of Emperor Wen of Sui, he was named Yang Ying at birth. However, he was renamed as Yang Guang after his father consulted the oracles which advised a change of name. Courageous and valiant from a young age, he commanded five armies in the invasion of the southern Chen dynasty while he was still a young price and received much praise for his bravery. After becoming the emperor he embarked on extensive military campaigns that vastly expanded his territories. During his reign several major construction projects were undertaken which included the building of large canals, roads, and palaces. He also ordered the reconstruction of the Great Wall, a project which resulted in the deaths of six million workers and nearly depleted the royal treasury. He spent lavishly on the construction projects which severely affected the country’s financial resources. Highly ambitious, the emperor was also very arrogant and cruel. It is generally believed that he ascended the throne after ordering the murder of his elder brother and father though his claim is unproven. Historians often consider him to be one of the worst tyrants in Chinese history