Emperor Yang of Sui
Emperor Yang of Sui, also known as Yang Guang, ruled the Sui Dynasty in China from 604 to 618 AD. He is known for his ambitious projects, including the construction of the Grand Canal, which connected the Yellow River and Yangtze River to facilitate trade and transportation. His reign was marked by significant infrastructure development, but also heavy taxation and forced labor.
Despite his achievements, Emperor Yang faced widespread discontent due to his extravagant lifestyle and military campaigns, particularly against Korea. This unrest ultimately led to a series of rebellions, culminating in his assassination in 618 AD, which marked the end of the Sui Dynasty.