Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
640s
Songtsen Gampo marries Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. They are
credited with bringing Buddhism, silk weaving and new methods of agriculture to Tibet.
7th century
The Tibetan empire stretches to include north Pakistan and the Silk Road cities of Khotan and
Dūnhuáng.
763
Trisong Detsen attacks the Chinese capital Chang'an (Xī'ān) after a Chinese tribute of 50,000
bolts of silk is late.
790s
Samye's Great Debate takes place, as Tibet chooses between the Indian and Chinese schools of
Buddhist teachings.
822
The Sino-Tibetan treaty is signed, defining China's and Tibet's boundaries on largely Tibetan
terms. The bilingual inscription of the treaty is erected on a stele outside the Jokhang.
842
Monk Lhalung Palgye Dorje assassinates anti-Buddhist king Langdharma in disguise. The event is
still commemorated by the Black Hat Dance, performed during monastic festivals.
996
Thöling Monastery is founded in far western Tibet and becomes the main centre of Buddhist
activities in Tibet, translating large numbers of Buddhist texts from Kashmir.
1042
