Former Qin

Qin, also called the Former Qin or Fu Qin, was a state in China that existed during a time called the Sixteen Kingdoms. It began after the Later Zhao dynasty ended in 351 AD and was ruled by the Fu clan from the Di peoples. The capital city was Chang'an.

The most important moment for the Former Qin was in 376 AD when Fu Jiān, also known as Emperor Xuanzhao, brought together all of northern China under one rule. This made the Former Qin the only state from the Sixteen Kingdoms to do this.

However, in 383 AD, the Former Qin faced a big challenge when they were defeated by the Jin dynasty in a battle called the Battle of Fei River. After Fu Jiān died in 385 AD, the state split into two parts. One part near present-day Taiyuan in Shanxi was taken over quickly, while the other part near Shaanxi and Gansu lasted until 394 AD before disappearing completely.

Most rulers of the Former Qin called themselves "Emperor," but Fu Jiān only used the title "Heavenly King." Even so, the court later honored him as an emperor.

History

The Fu clan, from the Linwei Di people, originally had the surname Pu. They claimed to come from an ancient tribe called Youhu, which lived near Chang'an during the Xia dynasty. When the Western Jin fell, many people moved to join them, and their leader, Pu Hong, declared independence. He later served under the Jie-led Later Zhao dynasty.

After Later Zhao fell, Pu Hong's son, Fu Jiàn, took power. He first served the Eastern Jin but later declared independence, calling himself the Heavenly King of Qin after capturing Chang'an. Fu Jiàn became Emperor of Qin in 352 and expanded his state by defeating parts of the Later Zhao and fighting over Longxi with the Former Liang.

Fu Jiàn died in 355 and was succeeded by his son Fu Sheng, known for being harsh and unfair. Fu Sheng was overthrown in 357 by his cousin Fu Jiān, who became the new ruler. Fu Jiān changed his title back to Heavenly King and worked with many Han Chinese officials. He focused on farming, built irrigation systems, and brought in people from other groups to work the land. He also promoted education and brought back traditional Chinese rituals.

Fu Jiān faced revolts early in his rule but settled them by 368. He then conquered the Former Yan in the east and other areas, unifying northern China by 376. He was gentle to defeated enemies and let them serve in his government. Fu Jiān also showed interest in Buddhism and welcomed a Buddhist monk to his court.

In 383, Fu Jiān tried to conquer the Eastern Jin but was defeated badly at the Battle of Fei River after a Former Qin general shouted that the Qin army was losing, causing panic. Fu Jiān escaped but was injured.

After this defeat, many parts of the Former Qin broke away. A general named Murong Chui started the Later Yan dynasty, and others also rebelled. Fu Jiān was captured and killed in 385. His son Fu Pi tried to continue but was also killed. Another cousin, Fu Deng, took over but lost many battles and was eventually captured and killed. The Former Qin dynasty ended when Fu Deng's son was defeated, scattering the Fu clan across China.

Rulers of the Former Qin

Fu Sheng was given the title of "wang" after he died, even though he had already ruled as emperor.

Rulers family tree