Later Liang (Sixteen Kingdoms)

The Later Liang was a dynastic state of the Sixteen Kingdoms period in China, existing from 386 to 403. It was founded by Lu Guang, a general of the Di ethnicity who served the Former Qin dynasty. In 383 Lu Guang was sent to campaign in the Western Regions; he conquered Kucha in 384 and there captured the Buddhist monk Kumarajiva, who advised him to return. Learning that the Former Qin was collapsing after its defeat at the Fei River, Lu Guang seized the Hexi Corridor, executed the provincial inspector who tried to block him, and made Guzang, modern Wuwei in Gansu, his capital. In 386 he proclaimed a new reign era, which historians take as the foundation of the Later Liang, though he only took the title Duke of Jiuquan in 387, King of Sanhe in 389 and Heavenly King of Great Liang in 396. A brilliant commander but a harsh ruler, he executed local literati and provoked repeated revolts. After his forces were routed by the Western Qin in 397, the Tufa-Xianbei founded the Southern Liang and Duan Ye the Northern Liang, reducing Later Liang to its capital region. Lu Guang died in 399; his son Lu Shao was murdered by his elder half-brother Lu Zuan, and in 401 Lu Long seized the throne. Beset by the Later Qin, Southern Liang and Northern Liang, Lu Long surrendered to the Later Qin in 403 and the state came to an end.