The Jin Dynasty (266–420 CE) was a pivotal period in Chinese History that followed the Three Kingdoms era and preceded the Southern and Northern Dynasties. It is divided into two periods:
- Western Jin (266–317 CE):
- Established by Sima Yan, also known as Emperor Wu of Jin, who overthrew the Cao Wei regime.
- Reunified the empire under one rule after the fractious period of the Three Kingdoms.
- Notable for the War of the Eight Princes, a series of civil wars that weakened the dynasty.
- Ended with the Five Barbarian Invasions, leading to the fall of the Western Jin.
- Eastern Jin (317–420 CE):
- Founded by Sima Rui, who established his capital in Jiankang (modern-day Nanjing).
- Marked by the retreat southward due to the invasion of various non-Han Chinese tribal groups.
- Known for its cultural and intellectual flourishing despite political instability.
- Ended with the rise of the Liu Song Dynasty in 420 CE.
Significant Events
- Unification of China: Sima Yan managed to unify the three kingdoms, Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu, into one empire.
- Disasters and Decline: The Eight Kings Rebellion and subsequent invasions by non-Han groups led to the fall of the Western Jin.
- Cultural Achievements: The Eastern Jin period saw the development of Xuanxue (Mysterious Learning), a philosophical movement, and significant advancements in Buddhism in China.
Notable Figures
- Emperor Wu of Jin - The founder of the Jin Dynasty.
- Sima Zhao - Father of Sima Yan, instrumental in the downfall of Cao Wei.
- Wang Xizhi - A famous calligrapher during the Eastern Jin.
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