Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

Published: July 9, 2026 · Updated: July 9, 2026

907–960

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907–960) was the era of fragmentation between the Tang and the Song. Five short-lived dynasties succeeded one another in the north while the south was divided among regional kingdoms.

Overview

In north China, five short-lived dynasties followed one another: the Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou. The south and Shanxi were divided among about ten regional kingdoms.

Key developments

Despite the political fragmentation, southern economies developed and printing spread.

End and transition

In 960 Zhao Kuangyin, a Later Zhou general, founded the Song dynasty. The last holdout kingdom, the Northern Han, fell in 979.

People

Emperor Taizu of Song 927–976