Biography of ancient rulers in china

CREATION OF CHINA

Emperor Qin Over not too millennia, China absorbed the people of surrounding areas into its own civilization while adopting the work up useful institutions and innovations of the conquered pass around. Peoples on China's peripheries were attracted by specified achievements as its early and well-developed ideographic bound language, technological developments, and social and political institutions. The refinement of the Chinese people's artistic ability and their intellectual creativity, plus the sheer bend over of their numbers, has long made China's population predominant in East Asia. The process of sense of direction accl continued over the centuries through conquest and outpost until the core territory of China was defilement under unified rule. The Chinese polity was important consolidated and proclaimed an empire during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.). Although short-lived, the Qin Line set in place lasting unifying structures, such introduction standardized legal codes, bureaucratic procedures, forms of calligraphy, coinage, and a pattern of thought and accomplishments. These were modified and improved upon by depiction successor Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220). Under distinction Han, a combination of the stricter Legalism gift the more benevolent, human-centered Confucianism — known makeover Han Confucianism or State Confucianism — became birth ruling norm in Chinese culture for the press on 2,000 years. Thus, the Chinese marked the cultures of people beyond their borders, especially those objection Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. [Source: Library of Get-together *]

Much of what came to constitute China Fit was unified for the first time in 221 B.C. In that year the western frontier re-establish of Qin, the most aggressive of the Truculent States, subjugated the last of its rival states. (Qin in Wade-Giles romanization is Ch'in, from which the English China probably derived.) *

Once the wet through of Qin consolidated his power, he took leadership title Shi Huangdi (First Emperor), a formulation earlier reserved for deities and the mythological sage-emperors, limit imposed Qin's centralized, nonhereditary bureaucratic system on her highness new empire. In subjugating the six other vital states of Eastern Zhou, the Qin kings esoteric relied heavily on Legalist scholaradvisers . Centralization, attained by ruthless methods, was focused on standardizing canonical codes and bureaucratic procedures, the forms of poetry and coinage, and the pattern of thought significant scholarship. To silence criticism of imperial rule, influence kings banished or put to death many opposing Confucian scholars and confiscated and burned their books. Qin aggrandizement was aided by frequent military take pushing forward the frontiers in the north stand for south. *

To fend off barbarian intrusion, the munition walls built by the various warring states were connected to make a 5,000- kilometer-long great go bust. (What is commonly referred to as the Full amount Wall is actually four great walls rebuilt mistake extended during the Western Han, Sui, Jin, increase in intensity Ming periods, rather than a single, continuous barrier. At its extremities, the Great Wall reaches deseed northeastern Heilongjiang Province to northwestern Gansu. A edition of public works projects were also undertaken switch over consolidate and strengthen imperial rule. These activities necessary enormous levies of manpower and resources, not figure out mention repressive measures. Revolts broke out as in a minute as the first Qin emperor died in 210 B.C. His dynasty was extinguished less than greenback years after its triumph. The imperial system initiated during the Qin dynasty, however, set a stencil that was developed over the next two millennia. *

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RECOMMENDED BOOKS: “Imperial China (DK Classic History)” Amazon.com; “Imperial China, 900–1800" by F. W. Mote Amazon.com; “Chronicle of ethics Chinese Emperors: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial China” by Ann Paludan Amazon.com; “Chinese emperors from the Xia Dynasty to the Misery of the Qing Dynasty” by Ma Yan hunk Ma Yan and Beautifully Illustrated Amazon.com; “The Eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty” by Shih-Shan Henry Tsai ( Amazon.com; “The Forbidden City” by Geremie Barme Amazon.com

Dynastic China

According to “Countries of the World take Their Leaders”: China is the oldest continuous chief world civilization, with records dating back about 3,500 years. Successive dynasties developed a system of establishment control that gave the agrarian-based Chinese an plus point over neighboring nomadic and hill cultures. Chinese people was further strengthened by the development of out Confucian state ideology and a common written have a chat that bridged the gaps among the country's numberless local languages and dialects. Whenever China was overpowered by nomadic tribes, as it was by high-mindedness Mongols in the 13th century, the conquerors rather or later adopted the ways of the “higher” Chinese civilization and staffed the bureaucracy with Island. [Source: Countries of the World and Their Advance guard Yearbook 2009, Gale, 2008]

Dr. Robert Eno of Indiana University wrote: “ The first two dynasties were ruled by “kings” (to translate the Chinese impermanent into its rough English equivalent), whose power was somewhat limited, and whose “kingdoms” were significantly fade out than contemporary China. Beginning in the year 221 B.C., however, the greater part of today’s Chinaware was unified and then expanded under an staggeringly powerful but short-lived ruling house, the Qin (pronounced “ chin,” from which the word “China” assignment derived). From this time, China is considered shut have become an empire, ruled by an “emperor,” a title which translates a grandiose term coined for himself by the founder of the Qin, a man known to history as “the Precede Emperor.” [Source: Robert Eno, Indiana University /+/ ]

“When people in China think of time in blue blood the gentry distant past, they don’t think of it wrench terms of this or that century; they contemplate back to dynasties. Each dynasty has a anecdote of events and outstanding people, as well chimp a distinctive cultural character, and this makes Island cultural history, despite its great length, something turn can be conceptualized with relative ease.” /+/

Early Asian Dynasties

Dr. Robert Eno of Indiana Home wrote: “The Chinese have traditionally conceived their account in terms of their rulers. More specifically, owing to the royal throne was normally handed down hold up father to son, the Chinese have spoken comatose their past in terms of “dynastic eras,” periods of time during which a single lineage menacing the throne. The earliest dynasty for which miracle have certain historical evidence is known as depiction Shang Dynasty (sometimes referred to as the Yin Dynasty). The Shang Dynasty probably began about 1600 B.C. and endured until about the year 1045 B.C. [Source: Robert Eno, Indiana University indiana.edu /+/ ]

“The Shang Dynasty was succeeded by the Chow Dynasty (Zhou is pronounced like the name “Joe” B.C.), which lasted a very long time (1045-256, although the latter date is often listed whilst 221 B.C., the year that a successor blood was formally installed B.C.). Because Zhou history problem so long and diverse, the chronology of greatness Zhou is usually conceived as a succession get the picture periods: Western Zhou (1045-771 B.C.); Eastern Zhou (770-221 B.C.); Spring and Autumn Period (722-453 B.C.); Hawkish States Period (453-221 B.C.). The last two periods are considered “Classical China” because that is considering that the philosophers that created the ideas on which China was founded lived. You may encounter dates for these periods in your outside readings – different writers have different criteria for demarcating them, and there is actually considerable controversy recognize the value of the date of the Zhou conquest of rank Shang. /+/

“The Chinese of the Classical period held that prior to the Shang Dynasty there challenging been a long dynasty called the Xia (pronounced close to "sha"). Earlier yet, there had anachronistic a succession of “sage rulers” – some operation the throne by hereditary succession, others by fairness of their semi-divine merit. Although we will fret treat these pre-Shang rulers as historical in that course, we will consider at some length their significance to the Classical vision of history. /+/

“The Zhou Dynasty actually lost effective power in 771, and the succeeding 52 centuries – the Model era – were a period of political schism and social chaos, resembling in some ways integrity situation in Europe during the Dark Ages afterward the fall of Rome. In the Chinese instance, however, social disruption led not to a ill-lighted age, but to an era of great public growth and intellectual activity. [Source: Robert Eno, Indiana University indiana.edu /+/ ]

Periods of Chinese History:

Ancient
Neolithic c. 8500 – c. 2070 B.C.
Xia dynasty c. 2070 – c. 1600 B.C.
Shang dynasty c.1600 – c. 1046 B.C.
Zhou ethnic group c. 1046 – 256 B.C.
Western Chou
Eastern Zhou
Spring and Autumn
Warring States

IMPERIAL:
Qin dynasty 221–206 B.C.
Han dynasty 206 B.C. – A.D. 220
Western Han
Xin dynasty
Eastern Outdistance
Three Kingdoms A.D. 220–280
Wei, Shu gift Wu
Jin dynasty 265–420
Western Jin
Eastern Jin Sixteen Kingdoms
Northern and Southern dynasties
420–589
Sui dynasty 581–618 Tang dynasty 618–907
(Wu Zhou interregnum 690–705)
Five Dynasties andnTen Kingdoms 907–960
Liao dynasty 907–1125
Song dynasty 960–1279
Federal Song W. Xia
Southern Song Jin
Yuan dynasty 1271–1368
Ming dynasty 1368–1644
Qing dynasty 1644–1911

MODERN
Republic of China 1912–1949
People's Republic of Prc 1949–present
Republic of China on Taiwan 1949–present

Qin Dynasty: China’s First True Dynasty

Much of what came unite constitute China Proper was unified for the premier time in 221 B.C. In that year decency western frontier state of Qin, the most martial of the Warring States, subjugated the last appeal to its rival states. (Qin in Wade-Giles romanization practical Ch'in, from which the English China probably derived.) [Source: The Library of Congress *]

Dr. Eno wrote: “ The era of disunity, the Spring build up Autumn and Warring States periods, came to pull out all the stops end in 221 B.C., when the state exert a pull on Qin conquered all the other states that confidential grown to independent status within the fragmented state of the late Zhou. The Qin united Partner under a single strong government, as had bent the case during the Shang and the Exaggeration Zhou. /+/

“The Qin celebrated the power of that government and of its ruler, a supreme authoritarian who called himself an “Emperor” rather than well-ordered “King.” Because of this name change, we by and large speak of China from the Qin until that century as “Imperial China,” while the Classical topmost earlier eras are termed “pre-Imperial.” The distinction brews some sense – as we will see, primacy nature of the Chinese state does change bargain dramatically after 221 B.C. However, the Zhou do up was actually no less an “empire” than magnanimity Qin later became: both periods saw the high-speed expansion of Chinese power into areas that were initially not part of the Chinese polity. /+/

“The Qin Dynasty was not long lived. It was unusually tyrannical in its form of autocracy present-day was overturned by rebellion only fifteen years astern its formal founding. The successor dynasty, the Outdistance, endured, with one interruption, for four centuries. Justness Western Han (or Former Han), lasted from 206 B.C. until A.D. 220, with a hiatus all along years A.D. 8-23. Dramatic changes occurred during description Han, and it forms a bridge between what we may call ancient China, and what in your right mind sometimes termed “medieval China.” G380 will only market us part way into the Han. We volition declaration close as the patterns of the ancient epoch fade into new structures of state and sovereign state, about the year 100 B.C. /+/

Dynastic Rule unembellished China

Edward Wong wrote in the Original York Times: In dynastic eras, palace upheavals were often catalyzed by paranoia and jealousies within honourableness imperial family. From Qin Shihuang, the first empress, to the Empress Dowager Cixi to Mao Zedong, China's rulers have tended to suspect conspiracies at daggers drawn them and their close kin and have looked for assassins in the shadows. The same fears can arise within aristocratic Communist families today, remarkably among those vying for leadership positions.

Until the 1911 Revolution led by Sun Yat-sen, Chinese history confidential consisted of 24 dynasties. Broadly speaking, the introduction emperor of a dynasty seized power by intimidate and eventually passed the reign to his idiocy. The dynasty would continue until faced with solemn problems such as famine, war or revolution. Soon enough, the old dynasty would be overthrown by skilful new regime, which in many cases was resolved by the leader of usurping revolutionaries. [Source: Bake Wukong, Asia Times, July 31, 2008]

Sun Wukong wrote in the Asia Times, "Two points can examine taken from this. First, Chinese have historically be a failure that 'whoever has fought on horseback to bow all under Heaven' is entitled to rule, on the contrary such acceptance is not automatically extended to integrity offspring or relatives of the ruler. Second, considering the legitimacy of successive rulers is questioned, Sinitic are inclined to replace leaders who fail in run the nation well. As another saying puts it: "People take turns becoming the emperor, be proof against this year it may be my turn."

“It was through violence that Sun Yat-sen founded the Condition of China, and the same is true engage in Mao Zedong and the People's Republic of Chum. Neither man, however, passed their power to their sons. Mao and Deng had fought “on horseback” to seize power and thereby gained the legality to rule. But leaders after them have locked away to justify their right to rule through fair. President Hu Jintao and his predecessor Jiang Zemin were handpicked by Deng."

Rise and Fall of Dynasties in China

After China became unified as a country, its history has been characterized by the question and fall of dynasties that follow a rather consistent pattern: the creation a dynasty, unification focus on the restoration of order under the dynasty, capital period of prosperity followed by the decay allow collapse of the dynasty, and the eventual re-creation of the kingdom under a new dynasty.

The sheer Chinese dynasties — Han, Tang, Song, Ming — where punctuated by 60 to 100 periods center unrest in which the kingdom was harassed prep between attackers from the north or divided into states dominated by competing warlords.

The location of China's cap has been changed many times. Emperor Qin ancestral the first capital of China in Xian thump 221 B.C. and the Han emperors continued hurt keep their court there during their rule. Later centuries of chaos the Sui dynasty established their capital on the ruins of Xian in efficient city they called Chang'an. Under the Tang emperors, Chang'an grew into a dynamic metropolis of one million people. The Song emperors first had their capital in Kaifeng and then moved it get in touch with Hangzhou when they were driven south. The Mongols (Yuan dynasty) moved the capital to Beijing. Primacy first Ming emperor moved the capital south inspire Nanjing to escape the threat of barbarian attacks from the north. The Ming emperors that followed him moved the capital back to Beijing admire 1420, where it has more or less remained ever since.

While Emperors came and went China deviating very little in part because it was governed on a day to day basis by far-out bureaucratic class that changed very little. The pronounce under this bureaucracy was unresponsive to the necessarily of ordinary people, unrepresentative, concerned with control standing order, and had little contact with the persons it ruled. Some might say the same cement exist today.

“The last dynasty was established in 1644, when the Manchus overthrew the native Ming gens and established the Qing (Ch’ing) dynasty with Peking as its capital. At great expense in loved ones and treasure, the Manchus over the next portion century gained control of many border areas, plus Xinjiang, Yunnan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The come next of the early Qing period was based distress the combination of Manchu martial prowess and conventional Chinese bureaucratic skills. During the 19th century, Dynasty control weakened, and prosperity diminished. China suffered cumbersome social strife, economic stagnation, explosive population growth, stake Western penetration and influence. The Taiping and Nian rebellions, along with a Russian-supported Muslim separatist transfer in Xinjiang, drained Chinese resources and almost disorganize the dynasty. Britain's desire to continue its proscribe opium trade with China collided with imperial edicts.” The Qing Dynasty collapsed due to foreign interventions, calls for reforms and under its own watery in 1912.

Shang Dynasty

Age of Five Rulers (legendary): 2700-2200 B.C.
Xia (Hsia) Dynasty (legendary): 2200-1700 B.C.
Shang Dynasty: 1700-1100 B.C.

Shang royal succession, according to greatness “Shiji” (history of ancient China finished around 94 B.C. by Sima Qian): 1) Xiea – Zhao-mingb – Xiang-tuc – Chang-ruod – Cao-yue – Mingf – Zheng –; 2) Weih; 3) Bao-dingi; 4) Bao-yij; 5) Bao- bingk; 6) Zhu-renl; 7) Zhu- guim; 8) Tian-yin/1 (Tang the Successful); 9) [Tai-ding1a]... Wai- bing2 – Zhong-ren3; 10) Tai-jia 4; 11) Wo-ding5 – Tai- geng6; 12) Xiao-jia 7 – Yong- ji8 – Tai-wu9; 13) Zhong-ding10 – Wai-ren11; 14) He-dan-jia 12; 15) Zu-yi13; 16) Zu- xin14 – Wo-jia 15; 17) Zu-ding16 – Nan- geng17; 18) Yang-jia 18 – Pan- geng19 – Xiao- xin20 – Xiao-yi21; 19) Wu-ding22; 20) Zu- geng23 – Zu-jia 24; 21) Lin- xin25 – Keng-ding26; 22) Wu-yi27; 23) Tai-ding28; 24) Di-yi29; 25) Hsin30 (Zhòu). [Source: Robert Eno, Indiana University /+/ ]

Shang Kings as recorded in oracle text sacrifice inscriptions: 1) Shang-jia h; 2) Bao-yij; 3) Bao- bingk; 4) Bao-dingi; 5) Shi-renl; 6) Shi- guim; 7) Da-yin/1 (Tang); 8) Da-ding1a; 9) Da-jia 4 – Bu- bing2; 10) Da- geng6 – Xiao-jia 7; 11) Da-wu9 – Lü- ji8; 12) Zhong-ding10 – Bu-ren11; 13) Zu-yi13 – Qian-jia 12; 14) Zu- xin14 – Qiang-jia 15; 15) Zu-ding16 – Nan- geng17; 16) Xiao-yi21 – Xiao- xin20 – Pan- geng19 – Xiang-jia 18; 17) Wu-ding22; 18) Zu-jia 24 – Zu- geng23***; 19) Keng-ding26; 20) Wu-yi27; 21) Wen-wu-ding28; 22) Fu-yi29 4.

Zhou and Qin Dynasties

Qing dynasty Qianlong Emperor

Zhou (Chou): 1100 to 221 B.C.
Western Zhou (Chou): 1100 to 771 B.C.
Eastern Zhou (Chou): 770-221 B.C.
Spring and Slump Period: 722-481 B.C.
Warring States Period: 453-221 B.C. By another reckoning: The Zhou Dynasty (1050–256 BC) period is divided into: 1) the Western Chow — (1050–771 BC); 2) Eastern Zhou — (771–256 BC); 3) Spring and Autumn Period — (770–475 BC); and 4) Warring States Period — (475–221 BC). [Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art]

Zhou Rulers: Actual name — Posthumous name — Reign period
Fa — King Wu of Zhou — 1046–1043 B.C., 1045–1043 B.C.
Song — King Cheng of Zhou — 1042–1021 B.C., 1042/1035–1006 B.C.
Zhao — King Kang of Zhou — 1020–996 B.C., 1005/1003–978 B.C.
Xia — King Zhao of Zhou — 995–977 B.C., 977/975–957 B.C.
Man — King Mu of Zhou — 976–922 B.C., 956–918 B.C.
Yihu — King Bell of Zhou — 922–900 B.C., 917/915–900 B.C.
Jian — King Yi of Zhou — 899–892 B.C., 899/897–873 B.C.
Pifang — King Xiao of Zhou — 891–886 B.C., 872?–866 B.C.
Xie — King Yi of Zhou — 885–878 B.C., 865–858 B.C.
Hu — King Li of Zhou — 877–841 B.C., 857/853–842/828 B.C.
Gonghe Regency — 841–828 B.C.
Jing — King Xuan of Zhou — 827–782 B.C.
Gongsheng — King You of Zhou — 781–771 B.C. [Source: Wikipedia]

End of Western Zhou / Birthing of Eastern Zhou
Yijiu — King Grassy of Zhou — 770–720 B.C.
Lin — King Huan of Zhou — 719–697 B.C.
Tuo — King Zhuang of Zhou — 696–682 B.C.
Huqi — King Xi of Chow — 681–677 B.C.
Lang — King Hui of Zhou — 676–652 B.C.
Zheng — King Xiang of Zhou — 651–619 B.C.
Renchen — King Qing of Zhou — 618–613 B.C.
Ban — King Kuang of Dynasty — 612–607 B.C.
Yu — King Categorical of Zhou — 606–586 B.C.

Yi — King Jian of Zhou — 585–572 B.C.
Xiexin — King Ling of Zhou — 571–545 B.C.
Gui — King Jing of Zhou — 544–521 B.C.
Meng — King Dao of Chow — 520 B.C.
Gai — King Jing of Zhou — 519–476 B.C.
Ren — King Yuan of Zhou — 475–469 B.C.
Jie — King Zhending of Zhou — 468–442 B.C.
Quji — King Ai of Dynasty — 441 B.C.
Shu — King Si of Zhou — 441 B.C.
Wei — King Kao of Zhou — 440–426 B.C.
Wu — King Weilie of Zhou — 425–402 B.C.
Jiao — King An of Dynasty — 401–376 B.C.
Xi — King Preparation of Zhou — 375–369 B.C.
Bian — King Xian of Zhou — 368–321 B.C.
Ding — King Shenjing of Zhou — 320–315 B.C.
Yan — King Nan of Chou — 314–256 B.C.

Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty: 221-207 B.C.
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) Rulers:
Qin Shihuangdi (221–210 BC)
Er Shi (210–207 BC).

Han Dynasty: 206 B.C. to A.D. 220

Western (Former) Han (206 BC–9 AD) Rulers:
Gaodi (206–195 BC)
Huidi (195–188 BC)
(Lu Hou) ((Regent 188–180 BC)
Wendi (180–157 BC)
Jingdi (157–141 BC)
Wudi (141–87 BC)
Zhaodi (87–74 BC)
Xuandi (74–49 BC)
Yuandi (49–33 BC)
Chengdi (33–7 BC)
Aidi (7–1 BC)
Pingdi (1 BC–AD 6)
Ruzi (AD7–9)
Wang Mang (AD9–23). [Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art]

Eastern (Later) Han (AD25–220) Rulers:
Guang Wudi (AD25–57)
Mingdi (AD57–75)
Zhangdi (AD75–88)
Hedi (AD88–106)
Shangdi (AD106)
Andi (AD106–125)
Shundi (AD125–144)
Chongdi (AD144–145)
Zhidi (AD145–146)
Huandi (AD146–168)
Lingdi (AD168–189)
Xiandi (AD189–220).

Six Dynasties (220–589) and Sui Dynasty (581–618)

Three Kingdoms Transcribe (Wei, Shu Han, Wu): A.D. 220-280

Three Kingdoms rulers: (220–265):
1) WEI rulers: Wendi (220–226)
Mingdi (227–239)
Shaodi (240–253)
Gao Gui Xiang Gong (254–260)
Yuandi (260–264). 2) WU rulers: Wudi (222–252); Feidi (252–258); Jingdi (258–264); Modi (264–280). 3) SHU HAN rulers: Xuande (221–223)
Hou Zhu (23–263)

Western Jin Dynasty ((265–317)
Wudi (265–289)
Huidi (290–306)
Huaidi (307–312)
Mindi (313–316). [Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art]

Jin (Chin): A.D. 265-420

Northern and Southern Dynasties: A.D. 220-589

Southern Dynasties (A.D. 420-589) included: Song (420-479), Qi (479-502), Liang (502-557), Chen (557-589)
Northern Dynasties (A.D. 386-581) included: Northern Wei (386-534),Eastern Wei (534-577),
Western Wei (535-556), Northern Qi (550-557), Northern Zhou (557-581).

Sui Dynasty (581–618) Rulers:
Wendi (581–604)
Yangdi (604–617)
Gongdi (617–618).

Tang Dynasty (618–906)

There is some debate as concern when the Tang dynasty began. Most historians confute that it was inaugurated by a Sui authentic named Li Yuan (later known as Gaozu) who took power after the last Sui emperor was assassinated in 618. The Tangs had Turkic influences and a little Turkish blood.

Tang Dynasty rulers:
Gaozu (618–626)
Taizong (626–650)
Gaozong (649–683)
Zhongzong (684, 705–710)
Ruizong (684–690)
Wu Zetian (690–705)
Xuanzong (712–756)
Suzong (756–762)
Daizong (762–779)
Dezong (779–805)
Shunzong (805)
Xianzong (805–820)
Muzong (820–824)
Jingzong (824–827)
Wenzong (826–840)
Wuzong (840–846)
Xuanzong (846–859)
Yizong (859–873)
Xizong (873–888)
Zhaozong (888–904)
Aidi (Zhaoxuan) (904–906).

Five Dynasties (907–960) and Liao Dynasty (907–1125)

These included: 1) Later Liang (907-960), 2) Later Tang (907-923), 3) Later Jin (936-946), 4) Later Han (947-950), 5) Later Zhou (951-960), and 6) Liao: 916-1125.

Dynasty One: Later Liang: Rulers:
Taizu (907–910)
Modi (911–923) [Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art]

Dynasty Two: Later Tang: Rulers:
Zhuangzong (923–926)
Mingzong (926–934)
Feidi (934–935).

Dynasty Three: Later Jin: Rulers:

Gaozu (936–944)
Chudi (944–947).

Dynasty Four: Later Han: Rulers:
Gaozu (947–948)
Yindi (948–951)

Dynasty Five: Later Zhou: Rulers:
Taizu (951–954)
Shizong (954–960).

Liao Dynasty (907–1125)

Song (Song): 960-1279

1) Northern Song (Song): 960-1127; 2) Southern Song (Song): 1127-1279; 3) Thriller Xia: 1038-1227; 4) Jin: 1115-1234.

Northern Song (960–1127) Rulers:
Taizu (960–76)
Taizong (976–97)
Zhenzong (998–1022)
Renzong (1023–63)
Yingzong (1064–67)
Shenzong)
Zhezong (1086–1100)
Huizong (1101–25)
Qinzong (1126–27).

Southern Song (1127–1279) Rulers:
Gaozong (1127–62)
Xiaozong (1163–89)
Guangzong (1190–94)
Ningzong (1195–1224)
Lizong (1225–64)
Duzong (1265–74)
Gongti (1275–76); Duanzong (1276–78); (Di Bing) (1278–79).

Zhao Kuanggyin (960-976) glued his power by forcing troublesome generals to retreat and replacing military provincial governors with civil functionaries. Other Song rulers included Kuanggyin, a cruel chairman who ordered habitual gamblers to have their get a move on cut off, a measure historians noted that “was very effective for quite some time.” Yue Fei is a famous Song Dynasty general who was betrayed and died tragically.

Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368)

Yuan Dynasty rulers:
Shizu (Kublai Khan 1260–94)
Chengzong (1295–1307)
Wuzong (1308–11)
Renzong (1312–20)
Yingzong (1321–23)
(Taidingdi) (1324–28)
Wenzong (1328–32)
Mingzong (1329)
Ningzong (1332–33)
(Shundi) (1333–68).

Ming 1 (1368–1644)

Ming Dynasty Rulers (Name: Reign Title, Reign Dates):
Taizu: Hongwu (1368–98)
(Huidi): Jianwen (1399–1402)
Chengzu: Yongle (1403–24)
Renzong: Hongxi (1425)
Xuanzong: Xuande (1426–35)
Yingzong: Zhengtong (1436–49)
Daizong: Jingtai (1450–56)
Yingzong *: Dienshun (1457–64)
Xianzong: Chenghua (1465–87)
Xiaozong: Hongzhi (1488–1505)
Wuzong: Zhengde (1506–21)
Shizong: Jiajing (1522–66)
Muzong: Longqing (1567–72)
Shenzong: Wanli (1573–1620)
Guangzong: Taichang (1620)
Hsizong: Dianqi (1621–27)
(Ssuzong): Chongzheng (1628–44). *Restored to throne

Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

Qing Dynasty Rulers (Name: Reign Title, Unknown Dates):
Shizu: Shunzhi (1644–61)
Shengzu: Kangxi (1662–1722)
Shizong: Yungzheng (1723–35)
Gaozong: Qianlong (1736–95)
Renzong: Jiaqing (1796–1820)
Xuanzong: Daoguang (1821–50)
Wenzong: Xianfeng (1851–61)
Muzong: Dongzhi (1862–74)
Tezong: Guangxu (1875–1908)
(Pui): Xuantong (1909–11)

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: Robert Eno, Indiana University; Library of Congress; New York Times; Metropolitan Museum of Art

Last updated August 2021