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Renzong
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Renzong

emperor of Song dynasty
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Also known as: Jen-tsung, Ren Zong, Zhao Zhen
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Article History
Quick Facts
Wade-Giles romanization:
Jen-tsung
Personal name (xingming):
Zhao Zhen
Born:
1010, China
Died:
1063, China (aged 53)
Also Known As:
Jen-tsung
Zhao Zhen
Ren Zong
Title / Office:
emperor (1022-1063), China
House / Dynasty:
Song dynasty
Notable Family Members:
father Zhenzong
See all related content

Renzong (born 1010, China—died 1063, China) was the temple name (miaohao) of the fourth emperor (reigned 1022–63) of the Song dynasty (960–1279) of China, one of the most able and humane rulers in Chinese history. Under him, the Song government is generally believed to have come closer than ever before to reaching the Confucian ideal of just government.

During his reign, two political and philosophical groups developed into factions that bitterly disputed each other’s policies as well as interpretations of the Confucian Classics. This led to the great disputes in later reigns between the conservatives and the reformers and prevented the development of solutions to the vast problems that began to confront the Song after Renzong.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.