Ma Xiguang, ruler of Chu (Ten Kingdoms)

Ma Xiguang (traditional Chinese: 馬希廣; simplified Chinese: 马希广; pinyin: Mǎ Xīguǎng; died 25 January 951), also known by his courtesy name Depi (德丕), was a significant figure in the tumultuous history of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China, serving as the fourth ruler of the independent state of Chu.

Who was Ma Xiguang?

Ma Xiguang was a prince of the Ma family, which established and ruled the Chu state during a period of immense fragmentation in Chinese history. Born into the ruling lineage, his traditional Chinese name was 馬希廣, simplified Chinese 马希广, and his pinyin transliteration was Mǎ Xīguǎng. He also adopted the courtesy name Depi (德丕), a common cultural practice in ancient China where adults would use an alternative name to show respect.

What was the Chu State in Chinese History?

The Chu state (楚, 907–951 AD) was one of the ten prominent kingdoms that emerged in southern China following the collapse of the unified Tang Dynasty in 907 AD. Founded by Ma Yin, the state was primarily centered in what is now Hunan province, with its capital at Changsha. Known for its relative stability and economic prosperity, particularly in tea and tribute trade, the Chu state, like many of its contemporaries, often faced internal power struggles and external pressures. Ma Xiguang's reign represents a later, more unstable phase of the state's existence, marked by internecine conflicts among the Ma family members.

When did Ma Xiguang Rule and How Did His Reign End?

Ma Xiguang ascended to the throne of Chu in 947 AD, following the death of his elder brother and third ruler, Ma Xi'e. His reign was relatively short-lived, lasting just over three years, before he met his end on 25 January 951. His rule was characterized by intense fraternal rivalry and power struggles within the Ma family, a common affliction among the Ten Kingdoms that often led to their downfall. His demise was a direct result of these conflicts, contributing significantly to the weakening and eventual collapse of the Chu state shortly thereafter.

What was the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period?

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907–960 AD) was a pivotal and highly unstable era in Chinese history. It succeeded the disintegration of the mighty Tang Dynasty and preceded the reunification under the Song Dynasty. This period saw five short-lived dynasties rapidly succeeding each other in the Central Plains (the traditional heartland of China), while simultaneously, more than a dozen independent kingdoms, including Chu, flourished in various other regions, especially in the south. It was an age marked by continuous warfare, shifting political allegiances, and remarkable regional cultural and economic development despite the pervasive chaos.

How did Ma Xiguang become the fourth ruler of Chu?

Ma Xiguang became the ruler after the death of his elder brother, Ma Xi'e. His ascension, however, was not without challenge, as it was part of a complex and often violent succession dispute among the numerous sons of the Chu founder, Ma Yin. This internal family strife weakened the state from within.

What were the immediate circumstances of Ma Xiguang's death?

Ma Xiguang's death on 25 January 951 was the direct consequence of a fratricidal conflict with his half-brother, Ma Xichong. Ma Xichong, who resented Ma Xiguang's claim to the throne, launched a military campaign that resulted in the capture of the Chu capital, Changsha. Ma Xiguang was subsequently executed, marking a grim end to his reign and further destabilizing the already fragile Chu state.