The Tang dynasty reigned from 618 AD – 907 AD; it was a strong and brilliant dynasty that cannot be compared to any other. It was a very big empire that stretched from Korea in the north, southern Manchuria, and northern Vietnam. There was equal allotment of land to the male population and the entire male population had a periodic service in the army. During this time Confucianism gained ground as the emperor in 845 began full persecution of Buddhists and destruction of temples. Other religions were also brought under government control too.