The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period of China and the Historical Map of the North Han Dynasty

Map Introduction

Historical Evolution of the Later Zhou (951–960 AD)

The Later Zhou was the last of the Five Dynasties to rule the Central Plains. Founded by Guo Wei, its history can be divided into two phases: the reign of Guo Wei (951–954 AD) and the reign of Chai Rong (954–960 AD). Guo Wei, originally a Chief Military Commissioner of the Later Han, was forced to rebel after the Later Han emperor Yin, Liu Chengyou, grew suspicious of him and had his family executed in 950 AD. Guo Wei declared himself emperor in 951 AD, establishing the Later Zhou. He implemented reforms, reducing taxes and rectifying the administration, thereby laying a stable foundation for the dynasty. Upon Guo Wei's death in 954 AD, he was succeeded by his adopted son, Chai Rong (Emperor Shizong). Chai Rong proved to be an diligent and capable ruler. He instituted the Equal-field System, reorganized the military, and launched campaigns against the Northern Han and the Khitans. His decisive victory at the Battle of Gaoping (954 AD) against the combined forces of Northern Han and Liao consolidated his power. After Chai Rong's death in 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin launched the Chenqiao Mutiny, establishing the Northern Song Dynasty and bringing the Later Zhou to an end.

Historical Evolution of the Northern Han (951–979 AD)

The Northern Han was the only one of the Ten Kingdoms located in the north. It was founded by Liu Chong (later renamed Liu Min), a member of the Later Han imperial house. After the Later Han was replaced by the Later Zhou in 951 AD, Liu Chong, controlling twelve prefectures in Hedong, declared himself emperor, continuing to use the Later Han calendar, which historians call the Northern Han. The state was weak and relied on the Khitans (Liao Dynasty) for survival, with Liu Chong even addressing himself as a "nephew emperor" to secure Liao support. Its territory covered parts of central and northern modern Shanxi province, with its capital at Jinyang (Taiyuan).

The rule of the Northern Han was marked by constant warfare and hardship:

• Liu Chong Period (951–954 AD): He attempted to ally with the Khitans to destroy the Later Zhou but suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Gaoping, losing his elite troops. Liu Chong died shortly after, reportedly from anguish and resentment.
• Liu Jun Period (954–968 AD): He continued the policy of reliance on the Khitans. Domestically, the administration was troubled, and taxes were heavy. The renowned general Li Yun defected to the Later Zhou.
• Liu Ji'en and Liu Jiyuan Period (968–979 AD): This period was marked by frequent internal power struggles. With the rise of the Northern Song, the Northern Han became a target for unification. In 979 AD, Emperor Taizong of Song personally led an expedition, besieging Taiyuan. The last Northern Han emperor, Liu Jiyuan, surrendered, leading to the fall of the state.

The Confrontation Between Later Zhou and Northern Han

The conflict between the Later Zhou and Northern Han was a central theme in the late Five Dynasties period. The Battle of Gaoping (954 AD) was their first large-scale confrontation. Chai Rong's personal command and victory over the combined Northern Han and Liao forces established the Later Zhou's dominant position. Subsequently, the Later Zhou launched multiple northern expeditions, weakening the Northern Han and paving the way for the Northern Song's eventual unification of the north. The Northern Han, persistently dependent on the Khitans, ultimately could not withstand the Northern Song's offensive.

Conclusion

Through reforms and military expansion, the Later Zhou laid the groundwork for the Northern Song's unification. The Northern Han, a remnant of the Later Han, struggled for survival for 28 years before its eventual downfall. The rise and fall of these two states reflect the power struggle between the Central Plains regimes and the separatist forces at the end of the Five Dynasties period, marking the transition from an era of fragmentation toward reunification.