Five Hus & Sixteen States

The Five Hu and Sixteen States (五胡十六国) refers to a period in Chinese history during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420 AD) when northern China was ruled by various non-Han ethnic groups, often collectively referred to as the Five Barbarians (五胡). These groups included the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Di, Qiang, and Jie. The period is characterized by political fragmentation and frequent warfare among these ethnic states, leading to the establishment of multiple short-lived regimes known as the Sixteen Kingdoms (十六国).

Here are key points about the Five Hu and Sixteen States period:

Background:

  1. Eastern Jin Dynasty: The Eastern Jin Dynasty was established after the fall of the Western Jin Dynasty (265-317 AD) and controlled southern China. The central government of the Jin Dynasty weakened due to internal strife, rebellions, and pressure from northern ethnic groups.
  2. Northern Invasions: Beginning in the early 4th century AD, various non-Han ethnic groups from the north, collectively known as the Five Barbarians, began to invade northern China. They took advantage of the weakened Jin government and established their own states in the northern territories.

Five Hu (五胡):

  1. Xiongnu (匈奴): A confederation of nomadic peoples originally from the northern steppes, including the remnants of the Southern Xiongnu after their defeat by the Han Dynasty.
  2. Xianbei (鲜卑): A nomadic confederation that played a significant role in the establishment of several northern states during this period, including the Northern Wei Dynasty.
  3. Di (氐): A group of ancient ethnic minorities who inhabited areas in present-day Gansu and Sichuan provinces.
  4. Qiang (羌): An ancient ethnic group that lived in the western regions of China, known for their fierce warrior traditions.
  5. Jie (羯): A nomadic people originally from Central Asia who migrated into northern China during this period.

Sixteen Kingdoms (十六国):

  1. Establishment: The term “Sixteen Kingdoms” refers to the multiple short-lived regimes that were established by these non-Han ethnic groups between the 4th and 5th centuries AD in northern China.
  2. Political Fragmentation: These states were often in conflict with each other and with the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the south. They competed for resources, territory, and influence in northern China.
  3. Cultural Interaction: During this period, there was significant cultural exchange and interaction between the northern ethnic groups and the Han Chinese. This included the adoption of Chinese bureaucratic systems, languages, and religions such as Buddhism.
  4. Legacy: The Sixteen Kingdoms period contributed to the fragmentation of China and set the stage for subsequent periods of division and reunification, leading eventually to the establishment of the Northern Wei Dynasty, which reunified northern China briefly before further divisions.

The Five Hu and Sixteen States period is significant in Chinese history as it reflects the impact of nomadic migrations and invasions on Chinese civilization, shaping the political landscape and cultural development of northern China during the transition from the Jin Dynasty to the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.