Shortly after, two other military leaders declare themselves emperor, Shu-Han in the interior, and Wu, in the south. The Three Kingdoms period is marked by civil war. Hsi Chin armies conquer the Wu dynasty, reuniting China under a single rule and initiating a short period of peace. Liu Yuan, a northern barbarian cheftain, conquers northern China. North China splits into a collection of barbarian states known as the Sixteen Kingdoms.
Southern China is ruled by a succession of royal families.
Considered one of the most culturally creative periods in Chinese history. Yang Chien invades the south, and once again China is reunited, this time under a barbarian ruler. One year later, Yang-ti dies and Li Yuan takes the throne for himself, beginning the T'ang dynasty. The T'ang defeat the other rebel leaders, who have been causing trouble contending for the throne. All of China is reunited and pacified.