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The Six Dynasties (Chinese: 六朝; pinyin: Liù Cháo) is a name for six Chinese ruling families, or dynasties. They ruled from around 220 AD to 589 AD. This time was between the end of the Han dynasty and the start of the Sui dynasty.

During the Six Dynasties period, China was often divided. There was a lot of fighting, especially in the north. This time also overlapped with the Sixteen Kingdoms, which was a very chaotic period. Chinese historians sometimes call this whole era "Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties."

What Were the Six Dynasties?

The name "Six Dynasties" can refer to two different groups of ruling families.

The Southern Dynasties in Jiankang

Six dynasties had their capital city in Jiankang, which is now the city of Nanjing. These are often called the Southern Six Dynasties:

A writer named Xu Song from the later Tang dynasty wrote a book about Jiankang. This book helped create the list of these six southern dynasties.

The Northern Dynasties

Sometimes, people also talk about "northern" Six Dynasties. These are different ruling families that controlled parts of northern China:

Poetry and Art During This Time

The Six Dynasties period was very important for Chinese poetry. Poets often wrote openly about love and beauty, which was quite new for that time.

One famous collection of poems from this era is New Songs from the Jade Terrace. It was put together by Xu Ling, with help from Crown Prince Xiao Gang of the Liang dynasty. Another important style of poetry was called Zi Ye, or "Lady Midnight" style. It is thought to have started with a singer in the Jin dynasty.

Murals from a tomb of Northern Qi dynasty (550–577) in Jiuyuangang, Xinzhou, showing a rural hunting scene on horseback
Ewer. Lidded tripod with handles, used for heating certain alcoholic drinks. Stoneware with pale green (celadon) glaze. Six Dynasties, 500-580 CE. Victoria and Albert Museum, London
This ewer, a type of pot for drinks, was made during the Six Dynasties period. It has a pale green glaze.

Lasting Impact of the Six Dynasties

This period was the first time that the main political center of China moved to the south. This led to a big increase in people living in the south. It also helped the economy and culture there grow a lot. Because of this, southern China became a powerful economic area. It could even compete with the north from the Tang dynasty onwards.

Buddhism also became very popular during the Six Dynasties. This religion first came to China through the Silk Road during the Eastern Han dynasty. It grew strong in both the northern and southern dynasties. Buddhism has been a major religion in China ever since.

The Six Dynasties period helped shape how Chinese society and politics developed for many years to come.

See also

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