Shence Army

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The Shence Army (simplified Chinese: 神策军; traditional Chinese: 神策軍; pinyin: Shéncè Jūn; lit. 'Divine strategy') was a Tang dynasty (618–907) army unit established in 754 CE by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and based in Chang'an, forming the core of the imperial guards responsible for protecting the emperor. The command of the Shence Army was originally given to Longyou Military Governor (隴右節度使) Geshu Han. Headquartered to the west of Lintao County, Gansu Province at Mohuan Chuan (磨環川) (south east of modern-day Lintan County), the Shence Army defended the western border close to the capital against the Tibetan Empire. The Shence Army played a pivotal role as a tool of the eunuchs in establishing and keeping control over the Tang court through military clout.