Definition:
The turbulent 6 dynasties period of ancient China ran from the end of the Han dynasty in A.D. 220 to the conquest of southern China by the Sui in 589. The 6 dynasties who held power during the three and a half centuries were:
- Wu (222–280)
- Dong (Eastern) Jin (317–420)
- Liu-Song (420–479)
- Nan (Southern) Qi (479–502)
- Nan Liang (502–557)
- Nan Chen (557–589).
Confucianism yielded importance to Taoism and Buddhism. The arts flourished. Inventions of the period include woodblock printing, the wheelbarrow, and kites.
The Sui had conquered northern China by 581. When they conquered southern China 8 years later, they brought about the reunification of China.
Source:
Six Dynasties. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9068043
Examples:
The capital of the six dynasties were all at Jiankang/Jianye (now, Nanjing).
