Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms was an era of political upheaval in China, beginning in the Tang Dynasty and ending in the Song Dynasty. During this period, five dynasties quickly succeeded one another in the north, and more than 12 independent states were established, mainly in the south. However, only ten are traditionally listed, hence the era's name, "Ten Kingdoms." Some historians, such as Bo Yang, count 11, including Yan and Qi, but not Northern Han, viewing it as simply a continuation of Later Han. The Five Dynasties: Later Liang Dynasty (June 5, 907-923), Later Tang Dynasty (923-936), Later Jin Dynasty (936-947), Later Han Dynasty (947-951 or 982, depending on whether Northern Han is considered part of the dynasty), Later Zhou Dynasty (951-960). The Ten Kingdoms: Wu, Wuyue, Min, Chu, Southern Han, Former Shu, Later Shu, Jingnan, Southern Tang, Northern Han.