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Wang Jian

Type Figure Region China Time 847–918 Also known as Wang Guangtu、Gaozu

Wang Jian (847–918), courtesy name Guangtu, of Wuyang, Xuzhou, founder of the Former Shu in the late Tang and Five Dynasties period.

Timeline

  1. 847–880Wuyang, Xuzhou · HenanWang Jian was born in Wuyang, Xuzhou; in youth he was a cattle-thief and donkey-stealer, later enlisting as a common soldier, rising through the ranks to officer thanks to his bravery and skill in battle, accumulating military merit and followers amid the warlord conflicts of the late Tang.
  2. 881–907Xichuan · SichuanAfter the Huang Chao Rebellion, Wang Jian led his troops into Shu; over years of campaigning he defeated the various regional warlords, gradually gaining control of Chengdu and the prefectures of Xichuan, and was enfeoffed as King of Shu, becoming the de facto ruler of Xichuan in the late Tang.
  3. 907–918Chengdu · ChengduIn 907 the Tang fell; Wang Jian proclaimed himself emperor in Chengdu under the state name Shu, known to history as Former Shu. During his reign he resettled refugees, lightened taxes and corvée, and rectified administration, bringing relative stability to Shu and laying the foundation of the Former Shu regime. He died of illness in 918.

Sources