High in the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau, a powerful state emerged that would challenge the great empires of Asia.
The Tibetan Empire, founded under the Yarlung dynasty, expanded aggressively from the 7th to the 9th century, fought wars with China, captured capitals, spread Buddhism, and ruled over a vast territory—from Bengal to Mongolia.
But after a string of powerful rulers and military victories, its sudden collapse came through assassination, internal strife, and rebellion. This is the true story of how it happened.
The Rise of an Empire
The empire’s foundations were laid by Namri Songtsen, who unified the Yarlung Valley before his death around 618. His son Songtsen Gampo took power, suppressed rebellion, and expanded Tibet’s influence. He defeated the kingdom of Zhangzhung and married Princess Wencheng of the Tang dynasty.
This period saw the construction of the capital at Lhasa, the promotion of Buddhism, and the establishment of Tibet as a recognized force in regional politics.
Expansion and Conflict
Later rulers, including Mangsong Mangtsen and Tridu Songtsen, extended the empire west into Central Asia and south into India. Tibetan forces captured the Chinese territories in the Tarim Basin after the Battle of Dafeichuan in 670 and held them for over two decades.
Under Trisong Detsen, crowned in 756, Tibetan troops even seized the Chinese capital of Chang’an during the An Lushan Rebellion in 763. Treaties and warfare with the Tang dynasty defined much of the era.
Cultural and Religious Developments
Trisong Detsen’s reign also marked the formal establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. He invited Indian masters such as Padmasambhava and Śāntarakṣita and supported translation of Buddhist texts.
His grandson Ralpachen continued these efforts, overseeing the creation of the Mahāvyutpatti lexicon and signing the 821–823 peace treaty with China, commemorated on the Jokhang pillar in Lhasa.
Collapse and Fragmentation
Ralpachen was murdered in 838, and his brother Langdarma took power. Langdarma reversed pro-Buddhist policies and persecuted monasteries.
He was assassinated in 842, triggering civil war and the disintegration of the empire. What followed was the Era of Fragmentation—marked by local rule, the rise of warlords, and loss of central authority. The once-mighty empire ceased to exist.
From its early foundations to its peak and sudden collapse, the Tibetan Empire was one of the most expansive and organized states of its time. Its armies wore chainmail, carried long lances, and lived off plunder. Its cities, temples, treaties, and warfare left an enduring record across the heart of Asia.
High in the Himalayas, a powerful empire rose from the Yarlung Valley to dominate Central Asia.
The Tibetan Empire fought Chinese armies, seized capitals, spread Buddhism, and ruled from Bengal to Mongolia—before it suddenly fell through murder and civil war…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/zFZHlfL3KX
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 27, 2025