The Period of Disunion began with the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 AD. It continued for over 350 years until China was once again united under the Sui Dynasty in 589 AD.
The history of the Period of Disunion is often divided up into three different time periods: the Three Kingdoms, the Jin Dynasty, and the Southern and Northern Kingdoms.
Three Kingdoms
Painting of Liu Bei by Yan Liben [Public Domain]
After the Han Dynasty fell in 220 AD, three different warlords rose to power. Each of them claimed to be emperor and took control of a different region of China. These three kingdoms were called Wei (north), Shu (west), and Wu (south). This period was marked by wars between different warlords and millions of Chinese people died in battle.
The period of the Three Kingdoms has become a popular part of Chinese history in many stories, movies, and legends. Leaders such as Cao Cao (founder of the Kingdom of Wei), Liu Bei (founder of the Kingdom of Shu), and Sun Quan (founder of the Kingdom of Wu) are household names in China and popular characters in stories and plays.
Jin Dynasty
In 265 AD, a general named Sima Yan took control of the kingdom of Wu and established the Jin Dynasty. The Jin became the strongest dynasty in China ruling much of southern China from 265 AD to 420 AD. At one point they managed to unite all of China in 280, but this didn't last long. Northern China soon rebelled and broke up into a number of smaller states ruled by warlords.
Southern and Northern Dynasties
The final stage of the Period of Disunion is called the Southern and Northern Dynasties. This period lasted from 420 to 589 AD. During this time, China remained divided with different dynasties ruling in the north and in the south. It came to an end when the Sui Dynasty came into power and unified China in 589 AD.
Accomplishments
Although China was not united during this time, the Period of Disunity saw many advancements and accomplishments. New inventions include the stirrup for horses, the wooden ox (like a wheelbarrow), and the kite. There were also advances in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
Government
The Period of Disunion saw a rise in the power of warlords and leading families. The government was less organized than under the Han Dynasty. Local warlords were often the main source of power.
Culture
Despite the constantly changing kings and emperors, the arts continued to flourish during this time. The period produced brilliant and innovative artists in areas such as poetry, calligraphy, sculpture, and painting. Outside influences and the integration of nearby peoples also impacted the Chinese culture. Perhaps the most significant of these was the spread of Buddhism as a major religion.
Interesting Facts about the Period of Disunion
This period is sometimes referred to as The Six Dynasties.
Liu Bei and Sun Quan united together to fight against Cao Cao at the famous Battle of Red Cliffs.
Landscape painting became the most popular form of Chinese painting during the Jin Dynasty.
Poetry gained heightened popularity through the actions of seven famous poets who became known as the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove.
The Chancellor for the kingdom of Shu, Zhuge Liang, is famous for being one of the most brilliant military strategists in the history of China.
