Deaths on January 11

Li Congke, emperor of Later Tang (b. 885)

Li Congke: The Final Emperor of Later Tang and a Legacy of Turmoil

Li Congke (simplified Chinese: 李从珂; traditional Chinese: 李從珂; pinyin: Lǐ Cóngkē), born on 11 February 885, was a pivotal figure in the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ultimately became the final emperor of the Later Tang dynasty, which was itself the second of the Five Dynasties to emerge after the fragmentation of the once-mighty Tang Dynasty. Known by various names reflecting his complex historical standing, including his posthumous titles such as the Last Emperor of Later Tang (後唐末帝) or the Deposed Emperor of Later Tang (後唐廢帝), Li Congke also held the significant title of Prince of Lu (潞王) before his ascension to the throne. His more personal nicknames, Ershisan (二十三), meaning "23," or the shorter Asan (阿三), hint at aspects of his early life, possibly indicating his birth order or a significant personal attribute. His reign, though brief, encapsulates the violent and unstable nature of dynastic succession during this fragmented era.

From Adopted Son to Usurper: Li Congke's Path to Power

Li Congke's connection to the imperial lineage was through adoption. He was an adoptive son of Li Siyuan, who reigned as Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang. Emperor Mingzong was a respected ruler who brought a degree of stability to the Later Tang after the chaotic reign of its founder, Li Cunxu. Following Emperor Mingzong's death, his biological son, Li Conghou, ascended the throne as Emperor Min of Later Tang. However, the political landscape of the Five Dynasties was rife with ambition and betrayal. Li Congke, leveraging his military support and influence, successfully orchestrated a coup to overthrow Emperor Min of Later Tang. This act of usurpation, a common occurrence in this period of rapid dynastic changes, cemented his position as the new emperor, but also underscored the inherent instability of his rule.

The Brief and Challenging Reign of the Last Later Tang Emperor

Li Congke's time on the dragon throne was characterized by constant challenges and the need to consolidate power in a highly volatile political environment. His legitimacy was frequently questioned, particularly by figures who saw themselves as rightful heirs or who sought to establish their own dominance. This internal strife, coupled with the growing external threats from powerful nomadic groups, would ultimately lead to the downfall of his dynasty.

The Rise of Later Jin and the Khitan Intervention

The greatest threat to Li Congke's rule came from his own family circle: his brother-in-law, Shi Jingtang. Shi Jingtang was a powerful general and husband to one of Emperor Mingzong's daughters, making him Li Congke's adoptive brother-in-law. Recognizing the deep political divisions and sensing an opportunity, Shi Jingtang launched a rebellion against Li Congke. Crucially, Shi Jingtang secured a powerful alliance with the Khitan forces, a formidable nomadic people from the north who were establishing their own growing empire (later known as the Liao Dynasty). This alliance was a turning point in Chinese history, as it marked a significant shift in the balance of power, with northern non-Han groups playing an increasingly decisive role in Chinese dynastic struggles. The Khitan provided Shi Jingtang with crucial military support in exchange for territorial concessions, most notably the Sixteen Prefectures, a strategically vital region along the northern frontier.

A Tragic End: The Fall of Later Tang

The combined might of Shi Jingtang's forces and his powerful Khitan allies proved overwhelming for the Later Tang. As the Later Jin and Khitan armies advanced, Later Tang resistance crumbled. Faced with inevitable defeat and unwilling to surrender, Li Congke made a dramatic and desperate final stand. On 11 January 937, he ascended a tower, accompanied by his family members and the guards most loyal to him. In a final act of defiance and despair, he ordered the tower to be set ablaze, choosing to perish in the flames rather than fall into the hands of his enemies. This tragic immolation marked the definitive end of the Later Tang dynasty, paving the way for the establishment of Shi Jingtang's Later Jin dynasty, which notably did not recognize Li Congke as a legitimate Later Tang emperor, often referring to him as "Wang Congke" (王從珂) – a prince rather than an emperor – to delegitimize his brief reign.

Frequently Asked Questions About Li Congke and the Later Tang Dynasty

Who was Li Congke?

Li Congke was the last emperor of the Later Tang dynasty, which was one of the Five Dynasties during China's tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960 AD). He was an adoptive son of Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang.

How did Li Congke become emperor?

Li Congke seized the throne by overthrowing Emperor Min of Later Tang (Li Conghou), who was the biological son and successor of Li Congke's adoptive father, Emperor Mingzong.

Who overthrew Li Congke and the Later Tang Dynasty?

Li Congke was overthrown by his brother-in-law, Shi Jingtang, a powerful general. Shi Jingtang's rebellion was crucially supported by the Khitan forces, a powerful nomadic group to the north.

What was the significance of the Khitan involvement in Li Congke's downfall?

The Khitan intervention was highly significant as it marked an increasing influence of northern nomadic powers in internal Chinese affairs. In exchange for their support, Shi Jingtang ceded the strategically vital Sixteen Prefectures to the Khitan, a decision that had long-lasting consequences for subsequent Chinese dynasties.

How did Li Congke die?

When his forces were defeated by the combined armies of Shi Jingtang and the Khitan, Li Congke, along with his family and most loyal guards, ascended a tower and set it on fire, choosing to die in the flames rather than be captured.