The history of the Song dynasty is divided between the Northern Song and the Southern Song. The Northern Song ruled from 960 to 1127 and the Southern Song from 1127 to 1279. When the Jin conquered the Northern Song, the son of the last emperor escaped to the south. He established the Southern Song in southern China. The Southern Song paid a fee each year to the Jin in order to maintain the peace but the Southern Song allied with the Mongols to conquer the Jin and this plan failed because once the Mongols conquered the Jin, they turned on the Southern Song and invaded all China.
Ancient China was the most advanced civilization in the world during the Song dynasty. It is known for very many inventions.
Some of the most important inventions were made during this time including the moveable type, gunpowder, and the magnetic compass. The invention of moveable type made possible to do mass printings. Some popular books were copied making books affordable to everyone. Paper money could be printed in great amounts and also, playing cards, and calendars. The magnetic compass helped boating and navigation improve. The Song dynasty had the first standing navy in world history. They built large state of the art ships of over 300 feet long. Gunpowder had an impact on warfare. The Song used gunpowder for fireworks, but also found ways to use it in battle. Unfortunately the Mongols barbarians conquered and the dynasty collapsed.