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Founding of Northern Song

Type Event Region China Time 960

In 960 CE, Zhao Kuangyin staged a mutiny at Chenqiao Relay Station, took the yellow robe, replaced the Later Zhou with the Song dynasty, and made Kai…

Timeline

  1. 959–960Kaifeng · KaifengAfter Later Zhou Shizong Chai Rong died of illness, seven-year-old Chai Zongxun succeeded him as Emperor Gong of Later Zhou. Zhao Kuangyin, as Palace Command Commander-in-Chief, controlled the imperial guards and served alongside chancellor Fan Zhi, laying the groundwork for the later coup.
  2. 960Chenqiao Relay Station · XinxiangZhao Kuangyin was ordered north to resist Northern Han; when he reached Chenqiao Relay Station, his troops mutinied and draped the yellow robe over him, proclaiming him emperor in what is known as the Chenqiao Mutiny. Zhao Kuangyin then immediately marched back to Kaifeng.
  3. 960Kaifeng · KaifengAfter Zhao Kuangyin entered Kaifeng, Emperor Gong of Later Zhou abdicated; Zhao Kuangyin took the throne at Chongde Hall, adopted the state title Song, changed the era name to Jianlong, made Eastern Capital Kaifeng Prefecture the capital, and founded the Northern Song dynasty, ending the chaos of the Five Dynasties and opening a new era of Song history.

Sources