Yan (Five Dynasties period) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yan
燕
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| 911–914 | |||||||||
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| Capital | You Prefecture | ||||||||
| Government | Empire | ||||||||
| Emperor | |||||||||
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• 911–914
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Liu Shouguang | ||||||||
| Historical era | Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period | ||||||||
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• Established
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911 | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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914 | ||||||||
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• Liu Shouguang's death
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914 | ||||||||
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| Today part of | China | ||||||||
The Yan state (Chinese: 燕), sometimes called Jie Yan (桀燕), was a kingdom that existed for a very short time. It was located near where Beijing is today. This state appeared at the beginning of a period in Chinese history known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
Yan was started by a leader named Liu Shouguang in the year 911. However, it only lasted for two years. In 914, the state of Yan was defeated by Li Cunxu, a powerful leader from the Former Jin dynasty.
Liu Shouguang was the only ruler of Yan. He was known for being a very harsh leader. Because of his rule, the state of Yan was sometimes called Jie Yan. This name was a reference to Jie, a ruler from the ancient Xia dynasty who was also known for being very strict and unfair.
What Was the Yan State?
The Yan state was a small kingdom in ancient China. It was created during a time when China was divided. Many different kingdoms were fighting for control. This period is known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.
Yan was a "monarchical state," which means it was ruled by a king or emperor. Its capital city was You Prefecture, which is now the city of Beijing. The state only existed for a very brief time, from 911 to 914.
Who Was Liu Shouguang?
Liu Shouguang was the person who founded the Yan state. He declared himself emperor in 911. He was the only emperor Yan ever had.
People remembered Liu Shouguang for his difficult and strict way of ruling. His leadership style led to the state being called "Jie Yan." This name connected him to an ancient ruler known for being very harsh.
How Did the Yan State End?
The Yan state did not last long. It was defeated by a stronger power. This power was the Former Jin dynasty, led by Li Cunxu.
In 914, the Former Jin dynasty conquered Yan. This event marked the end of Liu Shouguang's rule. It also brought the short-lived Yan state to its conclusion.
