Former Liang: Map & History
The Former Liang was a dynastic state, and one of the Sixteen Kingdoms, in Chinese history.
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The Former Liang was a dynastic state, and one of the Sixteen Kingdoms, in Chinese history. It was founded by Zhang Shi of the Han Chinese Zhang family. Its territories included present-day Gansu and parts of Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai and Xinjiang.
Modern Countries Once Part of Former Liang
At its mapped extent, Former Liang covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
States and Provinces
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Former Liang's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Former Liang in Depth
History
The founding of the Former Liang can be traced back to Zhang Gui. He was a Han Chinese official under the Western Jin dynasty who claimed descent from Zhang Er, the King of Changshan during the Chu-Han Contention. Zhang Gui was appointed as provincial inspector by the imperial court in 301.
Along with his two sons, Zhang Mao and Zhang Shi, he made Guzang (姑臧, in modern Wuwei, Gansu) his main base and worked closely with the local population to ensure the dynastic rule of his family. Due to the stability in the area, Former Liang became a refuge for those fleeing the chaos of the heartland. Zhang Gui also developed the region by promoting agriculture and establishing new schools.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Former Liang (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Former Liang: Key Facts
| Founded | 320 CE |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 376 CE |
Preceded by
- Western Jin dynasty
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q943392 (CC0).
Former Liang Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 305,896 km² in 375 CE.
Former Liang: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Former Liang exist?
Former Liang is dated to 324 CE – 377 CE, in the Classical Antiquity era.
What was the capital of Former Liang?
The capital of Former Liang was Guzang.
How large was Former Liang at its peak?
At its peak in 375 AD Former Liang covered about 305,896 km².