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Xiao Yan

Type Figure Region China Time 464–549 Also known as Emperor Gaozu of Liang

Xiao Yan (464–549), founder of the Liang dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, temple name Gaozu, posthumous name Emperor Wu;…

Timeline

  1. 464–501Jiankang · Southern DynastiesXiao Yan came from the Lanling Xiao clan, was gifted from youth, and held high offices under Southern Qi such as governor of Yongzhou, renowned for both civil and military skill, participating in quelling several internal rebellions and accumulating deep political and military experience.
  2. 502–520Jiankang · Southern LiangIn 502 Xiao Yan forced Emperor He of Southern Qi to abdicate, founded the Liang dynasty, and adopted the era name Tianjian, becoming Emperor Wu of Liang. Initially he governed diligently, reformed administration, lightened corvée and taxes, and valued Confucianism and ritual, strengthening the state and ushering in a period of relative stability and prosperity.
  3. 520–549Jiankang · Southern LiangIn his later years Xiao Yan indulged in Buddhist affairs, four times offering himself as a monk at Tongtai Temple, building temples and pagodas at great cost while governance slackened. In 548 the northern defector Hou Jing rebelled, captured Jiankang, and trapped Xiao Yan in the Tai city; in 549 Xiao Yan died in distress and grief, aged 86, having reigned 47 years, the longest reign of any Southern Dynasties emperor.

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