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Person

Trisong Detsen

Trisong Detsen (r. c. 755–c. 797 CE): Tibetan emperor at the height of imperial power who sponsored Samye, the first monastery, and made Buddhism a state-supported institution.

Tibetan

Overview

Under Trisong Detsen Tibetan armies reached their widest extent, briefly taking the Tang capital Chang'an in 763. Domestically he is remembered for founding Samye monastery (traditionally c. 775) and for inviting Indian teachers, including Śāntarakṣita and, in tradition, Padmasambhava.

About this entry

A draft entry added in an October 2026 research pass from public reference works; dates marked c. are approximate. Evidence grade: medium. 2 of 2 listed sources are fully documented; the rest are names only. Method and sources

Art: Patterns of Civilization chronicle art, made with AI: illustrations, not historical evidence. Entries are drafts preserved from civilization.study. Method and sources.