The Later Han is founded by Liu Zhiyuan. He declares himself emperor and establishes the capital in Bian, present-day Kaifeng.
The **Later Han** dynasty, known in simplified Chinese as 后汉, in traditional Chinese as 後漢, and by its Pinyin romanization as Hòu Hàn, emerged onto the tumultuous stage of imperial Chinese history in the year 947. This era was a period of intense fragmentation, often referred to as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, and the Later Han marked a significant, albeit remarkably brief, chapter within it.
Standing as the fourth in succession among the five major dynasties of this chaotic period, it held the distinction of being the third consecutive Chinese dynasty led by the nomadic Shatuo people. Interestingly, historical accounts also reveal that the **Later Han** emperors, despite their Shatuo origins, asserted a claim to patrilineal Han ancestry, adding a layer of complex identity to their rule.
A Fleeting Reign
Despite its founding, the **Later Han** proved to be among the shortest-lived regimes in the vast expanse of Chinese imperial history. Its existence was remarkably brief, lasting for slightly less than four years. This rapid decline was abruptly concluded by a widespread rebellion that swept through the land, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of the subsequent Later Zhou dynasty.
The Founder: Liu Zhiyuan
At the heart of the **Later Han**’s formation was **Liu Zhiyuan** (Chinese: ), a formidable figure born on March 4, 895, who passed away on March 10, 948. This ethnically **Shatuo** leader, whose name was later changed to Liu Gao (), is formally recognized in history as Emperor Gaozu of (Later) Han (). His strategic prowess and ambition led him to establish this dynasty, positioning it as the fourth of the **Five Dynasties** during the tumultuous **Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period** of Chinese history.
Legacy and Related States
It is important to note that while the **Later Han** existed, the subsequent Northern Han dynasty, though often associated, is generally considered a distinct entity and not a direct continuation or part of its immediate historical narrative.