The Sixteen Kingdoms was a period of political division in northern China, following the collapse of the Western Jin dynasty and the rebellions and invasions that drove the Chinese court south to the Yangtze region. A series of short-lived states were founded in the north by rulers of various origins, among them Xiongnu, Xianbei, Jie, Di and Qiang peoples, and also by Han Chinese. Some, such as the Former Qin under Fu Jian, briefly united much of the north. Fu Jian's attempt to conquer the south failed at the Battle of the Fei River. The period ended when the Northern Wei, founded by the Tuoba, a Xianbei people, unified the north. These years saw great movement of population and mixing of cultures, and the spread of Buddhism.
Before and after
- 293 CEDiocletian establishes the Tetrarchy
- 3rd centuryOrigins of Mangup
- 303 CEConstruction of Etchmiadzin Cathedral
- 23 February 303 CEThe Great Persecution of Christians begins
- from 304 CE to 439 CESixteen Kingdoms
- 312 CEOrigins of Basilica of Maxentius
- June 313 CEEdict of Milan
- 25 July 315 CEConstruction of Arch of Constantine
- from 320 CE to 550 CEGupta Empire
More in Civilizations & archaeology
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- 248 BCEConstruction of Terracotta Army
- 200 BCEOrigins of Nazca Lines
- from 375 CE to 568 CEMigration Period
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 4th century.