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Chen Baxian

Type Figure Region China Time 503–559 Also known as 陈武帝、Chen Baxian、Emperor Wu of Chen

Chen Baxian (503–559), founding emperor of the Chen dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, temple name Gaozu, posthumous name Emperor Wu;…

Timeline

  1. 503–548Guangzhou · LingnanChen Baxian came from a humble family in Wuxing commandery; in his early years he joined the Liang army, held a succession of posts in Lingnan, and rose steadily on the strength of his military talent and upright conduct, becoming regional inspector of Guangzhou and building up strength and reputation in Lingnan.
  2. 548–557Jiankang · Southern LiangAfter the Hou Jing Rebellion broke out in 548, Chen Baxian marched north from Guangzhou and, together with Wang Sengbian, defeated Hou Jing in 552; he then eliminated the remaining separatist forces, gradually took control of southern military and political power, became the Liang dynasty's actual ruler, and was enfeoffed as Prince of Chen.
  3. 557–559Jiankang · Southern ChenIn 557 Chen Baxian deposed Emperor Jing of Liang and founded the Chen dynasty, changing the era name to Yongding, becoming Emperor Wu of Chen. After accession he worked to restore production and reorganize military and political order, but died of illness in 559 after only a little over two years on the throne, aged 57, succeeded by his nephew Chen Qian.

Sources