Later Jin (Five Dynasties) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jin 晉
936–947
Later Jin
Capital	Taiyuan (936) Luoyang (937) Kaifeng (937–947)
Common languages	Chinese
Religion	Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Chinese folk religion
Government	Monarchy
Emperor
• 936–942	Shi Jingtang (Gaozu)
• 942–947	Shi Chonggui (Chudi)
Historical era	Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period
• Shi Jingtang proclaimed Emperor by Liao	November 28, 936
• Emperor Chu's surrender to Liao	January 11, 947
Currency	ancient Chinese coinage
Preceded by Succeeded by Later Tang Later Han Liao dynasty
Today part of	China

The Later Jin (936–947) was an important Chinese dynasty. It was the third of the Five Dynasties during a time when China was divided. This dynasty was started by Shi Jingtang with help from the powerful Liao dynasty.

The Later Jin was sometimes called the Shi Jin because of its founder's family name, Shi. It lasted for only 11 years. Its end came when the Liao dynasty invaded and took over its lands.

How the Later Jin Began

The Later Jin dynasty was founded by a man named Shi Jingtang. He was the son-in-law of an earlier emperor, Li Cunxu. Li Cunxu had founded the Later Tang dynasty in 923. The Later Tang was a state created by the Shatuo people, who were a group from Central Asia.

The Shatuo had become very powerful in North China. They even took over areas like Sichuan. However, the relationship between the Shatuo and the Khitans (who were also powerful neighbors) became difficult.

Shi Jingtang decided to rebel against the Later Tang. He asked the Khitan people for help. With their support, he declared himself the emperor of the Later Jin in 936.

Shi Jingtang claimed his family had Han Chinese roots. Some historians believe his family name, Shi, shows connections to people from Sogdia. This was a region in Central Asia.

The Later Jin dynasty continued a tradition of honoring past royal families. They gave special titles to the descendants of the Northern Zhou, Sui dynasty, and Tang dynasty royal families. This was a way to show respect for China's history.

Where the Later Jin Was

The Later Jin dynasty controlled most of the same lands as the Later Tang dynasty. However, there were two main differences in its territory.

First, the region of Sichuan was no longer part of their land. It had become an independent state called Later Shu before the Later Jin began.

Second, a very important area called the Sixteen Prefectures was given away. The Khitan Empire, which was a strong power to the north, forced the Later Jin to give them this land. This area was about 70 to 100 miles wide. It included the modern-day city of Beijing and lands to its west. Giving up this strategic region gave the Khitan even more power in North China.

Later Jin and the Liao Dynasty

The Later Jin dynasty was often seen as being controlled by the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. The Khitans had helped Shi Jingtang become emperor. This made the Later Jin very dependent on their powerful northern neighbors.

Giving the Sixteen Prefectures to the Khitan made many people believe the Later Jin was just serving the Liao dynasty.

After the founder, Shi Jingtang, died, his nephew and adopted son, Shi Chonggui, became emperor. Shi Chonggui decided to challenge the Liao dynasty. This led to the Liao invading in 946 and 947. These invasions caused the Later Jin dynasty to fall. The Liao dynasty then took over all of its former lands.

After conquering the Later Jin, the Liao dynasty officially changed its name to "Great Liao." This also fit with an ancient Chinese idea about how dynasties connect through natural elements.

Later Jin Emperors

Here are the two emperors who ruled the Later Jin dynasty:

• Shi Jingtang (Emperor Gaozu): He ruled from 936 to 942. He was the founder of the dynasty.
• Shi Chonggui (Emperor Chu): He ruled from 942 to 947. He was the last emperor of the Later Jin.