The Northern Han, known in simplified Chinese as 北汉 (Běi Hàn) and in traditional Chinese as 北漢, was a significant dynastic state that emerged during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of Chinese history. This era, spanning from 907 to 960 CE, was characterized by political fragmentation and continuous warfare following the collapse of the unified Tang Dynasty. The Northern Han was strategically established in 951 CE by Liu Min (劉旻), who was previously known as Liu Chong (劉崇), a key figure with direct lineage to the preceding Later Han Dynasty. His reign, and that of his successors, lasted for nearly three decades until 979 CE, making it one of the last independent states from this period to be absorbed into the re-unifying Chinese empire.

Geographically, the Northern Han was primarily situated in what is modern-day Shanxi province, with its capital firmly established at Taiyuan. This strategic location, nestled between the powerful nomadic Khitan Liao Dynasty to the north and various Chinese dynasties to the south, dictated much of its foreign policy and prolonged its existence. The state was founded by Liu Chong, who was the younger brother of Liu Zhiyuan, the founder of the Later Han Dynasty (947-951 CE). When the Later Han was overthrown by the Later Zhou Dynasty in 951 CE, Liu Chong, seeing himself as the legitimate heir and upholder of the Liu imperial lineage, retreated north and declared the establishment of the Northern Han, effectively continuing the Han claim.

Crucially, the Northern Han maintained its autonomy for an extended period largely due to its strong alliance with the formidable Khitan-led Liao Dynasty. Acting as a vital buffer state between the Liao and the ambitious Chinese dynasties to the south (first the Later Zhou, then the Song Dynasty), the Northern Han frequently received military aid and protection from the Khitans in exchange for its loyalty. This strategic vassalage enabled it to withstand multiple attempts at conquest by its southern neighbors. However, this reliance also meant that its foreign policy and even internal stability were often influenced by its powerful northern patron.

The end of the Northern Han came in 979 CE when it was decisively conquered by Emperor Taizong of the nascent Song Dynasty. This conquest, following a prolonged siege of Taiyuan, was a pivotal moment in Chinese history, as it marked the effective end of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and a significant step in the Song Dynasty's ambitious campaign to reunify all of China under a single imperial rule. The fall of the Northern Han effectively extinguished the last major rival and consolidated Song control over the northern territories, paving the way for a new era of centralized imperial governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Han Dynasty

What was the Northern Han?

The Northern Han was an independent dynastic state that existed from 951 to 979 CE during China's Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a time of political fragmentation after the fall of the Tang Dynasty. It was distinct from the earlier Later Han Dynasty but claimed a direct lineage.

Who founded the Northern Han and when?

The Northern Han was founded by Liu Min (劉旻), originally known as Liu Chong (劉崇), in 951 CE. He was a brother of Liu Zhiyuan, the founder of the Later Han Dynasty.

Where was the Northern Han located?

Its territory primarily encompassed what is present-day Shanxi province in northern China, with its capital city established at Taiyuan.

How long did the Northern Han last?

The Northern Han existed for 28 years, from its foundation in 951 CE until its conquest in 979 CE.

Why was the Northern Han significant?

It was one of the last remaining independent states from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period to fall to the reunifying Song Dynasty. Its survival was largely due to its strategic alliance and vassalage to the powerful Khitan-led Liao Dynasty, making it a crucial buffer state in northern China.

Who conquered the Northern Han and when?

The Northern Han was conquered by Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty in 979 CE, marking a significant step in the Song's reunification of China.