PRINCESS WENCHENG

CHINESE, C.628 – C.680

The founding king of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, sought peace with Tang Dynasty Emperor Taizong, sending diplomats to the Chinese court to request a princess to marry. Such marriages were a common method used by Chinese emperors to maintain peace along the Silk Road and keep it open. Taizong chose Princess Wencheng and in 640 she was sent along the Silk Road to marry the Tibetan king. Settling in her new home, Wencheng is credited with spreading Buddhism in Tibet.