Empress Ma (Southern Han) facts for kids

Empress Ma was a very important person in ancient China. She was the only known empress of a state called Southern Han during a time known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. This was a time when China was split into many different kingdoms. Empress Ma was married to Liu Yan, who was the first emperor of Southern Han. Her father was Ma Yin, a powerful prince who ruled a nearby state called Chu.

Who Was Empress Ma?

We don't know exactly when Empress Ma was born. We also don't know who her mother was, even though we know her father was Prince Ma Yin.

In the year 913, Liu Yan, who was a strong leader in a place called Qinghai (near modern Guangzhou, Guangdong), wanted to marry one of Ma Yin's daughters. He sent messengers to ask for her hand. Ma Yin agreed to the marriage.

Two years later, in 915, Liu Yan sent more messengers to Chu to bring Lady Ma to him. Her uncle, Ma Cun, traveled with her to Qinghai for the wedding.

Becoming an Empress

In 917, Liu Yan declared himself emperor of a new state he called Yue. At first, he didn't make Lady Ma his empress. He gave her the title "Lady of Yue."

Then, in 919, Liu Yan changed the name of his state from Yue to Han. This state is now known as Southern Han. At this time, he officially made Lady Ma his empress.

Not much else is known about Empress Ma's life after she became empress. We don't have records of her having any children with Emperor Liu Yan. She passed away in the year 935.