December 755 · Luoyang, the eastern capital Theater
December 755
An Lushan's veterans swept aside the hastily raised, untrained conscripts sent against them and captured the eastern capital of Luoyang within weeks. Early in 756 An Lushan proclaimed himself emperor of a new dynasty, the Yan. The panicked Tang court then executed its two able generals, Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi, for retreating — a disastrous blunder.
Commanders