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Liu Yan (Southern Han)

Type Figure Region China Time 889–942 Also known as Liu Yan (Liu Yan)、Liu Zhi、Liu Lian、Founder Emperor of Southern Han

Liu Yan (889–942), born Liu Yan and later renamed Zhi, Lian, and finally Yan, was from Fengzhou and founded the Southern Han during the Five Dynastie…

Timeline

  1. 889–917Fengzhou · GuangdongLiu Yan was a grandson of Liu Qian and younger brother of Liu Yin. Born in Fengzhou, he campaigned with his brother Liu Yin across Lingnan, gradually taking control of Guangzhou and the prefectures of Guangdong and Guangxi, becoming the actual ruler of Lingnan.
  2. 917–926Guangzhou · GuangzhouIn 917 Liu Yan proclaimed himself emperor in Guangzhou under the state name Great Yue, later changed to Han, known in history as Southern Han. He relied on maritime trade and the profits of pearls and jade, but punishments were harsh and he launched repeated foreign campaigns.
  3. 926–942Guangzhou · GuangzhouIn 926 he changed the state name to Han and took the name Yan, taking its meaning from the Book of Changes phrase 'the flying dragon is in the sky,' continuing to rule Lingnan. He died in Guangzhou in 942, and his son Liu Bin succeeded him.

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