Emperor Renzong was the fourth emperor of the Song Dynasty of China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

. His personal name was Zhao Zhen (趙禎). He reigned from 1022 to 1063. Renzong was the son of Emperor Zhenzong of Song

Emperor Zhenzong of Song

Emperor Zhenzong was the third emperor of the Song Dynasty of China. He reigned from 997 to 1022. Zhenzong was the third son of Emperor Taizong. His personal name was Zhao Heng and his temple name Zhenzong means "True Ancestor".Zhenzong's reign was noted for the consolidation of power and the...

. Despite his long reign of over 40 years, Renzong is not widely known. His reign marked the high point of Song influences and powers but was also the beginning of its slow disintegration that would persist over the next century and a half.

One possible reason behind its weakness is its interpretation of its own foreign policy.