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Map of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms China AD 907-923 |
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The 'Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms' period of Chinese history between AD 907-960 witnessed the collapse of the Tang dynasty and the rise of a greatly splintered Chinese people. Division and political disturbance lasted until the Southern Song could effect a reunification in AD 960. Until then five main dynasties succeeded one another as various houses and clans warred for domination, and ten minor kingdoms which were situated around the periphery of the core Chinese conflict also played a part. The period began with the founding of the Liao dynasty in 907, which was in the northern reaches of former Tang dynasty China. The later days of the Tang saw its government grant more power to the jiedushi (the regional and provincial governors who were in charge of civil and military affairs). However, in 874 the Huang Chao rebellion broke out when survivors of regional floods and famine gathered up their courage and rose against the imperial government. They perceived these natural disasters as sign from heaven that there should be regime change. By the early tenth century, the jiedushi commanders were able to effect independence from imperial authority. Capitals at Chang'an and Luoyang were captured in the process. The rebellion was the end of the already-weakening Tang dynasty and the beginning of the 'Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms' period of intense civil war. A clickable version of this map is available for desktop displays. To select a kingdom, state, or tribe for further information, click on its name.
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Original text and map copyright © P L Kessler and the History Files. An original feature for the History Files. Go back or return home. |
