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Five Barbarians Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Five Barbarians (Wu Hu) in Chinese History

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The Five Barbarians (Wu Hu) in Chinese History Study Guide

Defining the "Five Barbarians" (Wu Hu)

The term "Five Barbarians" (Wu Hu) is a historical exonym employed in China to designate five distinct non-Han ethnic groups. These peoples migrated to northern China during the Eastern Han dynasty and subsequently established their own kingdoms.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term "Five Barbarians," also known as Wu Hu, is indeed a historical exonym used in China to refer to five ancient non-Han peoples who migrated during the Eastern Han dynasty and later established kingdoms.

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The five peoples traditionally categorized as the "Five Barbarians" are the Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, Qiang, and Di.

Answer: True

Explanation: This categorization is historically accepted, identifying the Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, Qiang, and Di as the primary groups referred to as the "Five Barbarians."

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The "Five Barbarians" immigrated to northern China during the Western Jin dynasty and subsequently overthrew it.

Answer: False

Explanation: While these groups did immigrate and eventually overthrow the Western Jin dynasty, their initial significant immigration and presence in northern China began during the preceding Eastern Han dynasty.

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The earliest recorded use of the phrase "Five Barbarians" or "Wu Hu" dates back to an edict issued by Empress Dowager Chu Suanzi in 357 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records, specifically the *Book of Jin*, indicate that the earliest known usage of the phrase "Five Barbarians" or "Wu Hu" originates from an edict by Empress Dowager Chu Suanzi in 357 AD.

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The ethnic groups collectively identified as the "Five Barbarians" were characterized by significant ethnic diversity, rather than being homogenous or belonging solely to a single Turkic stock.

Answer: True

Explanation: The groups encompassed by the "Five Barbarians" designation were ethnically diverse, comprising peoples from proto-Mongolic, Turkic, Tibetan, and Yeniseian stocks. Scholarly interpretations further categorize them into various combinations.

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During the Western Jin period, the growing population of non-Han groups in northern China caused considerable concern among Han officials.

Answer: True

Explanation: By the Western Jin period, the substantial population growth of these non-Han groups had become a significant concern for many officials within the imperial court, prompting discussions and policy considerations.

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Minister Jiang Tong proposed relocating the "barbarian" tribes outside the empire's borders, and his proposal was adopted by the court.

Answer: False

Explanation: Minister Jiang Tong did propose relocating these tribes outside the empire's borders in his *Xi Rong Lun*, but his proposals were ultimately disregarded and not adopted by the court.

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What is the historical exonym used in China to refer to five ancient non-Han peoples who immigrated during the Eastern Han dynasty?

Answer: The Five Barbarians (Wu Hu)

Explanation: The term "Five Barbarians," or Wu Hu in Chinese, is the historical exonym applied to these five non-Han groups prominent during the specified period.

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Which of the following lists the five peoples traditionally categorized as the "Five Barbarians"?

Answer: Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, Qiang, Di

Explanation: This list accurately identifies the five primary ethnic groups historically referred to as the "Five Barbarians" in Chinese historiography.

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During which Chinese dynasty did the "Five Barbarians" groups primarily immigrate to northern China?

Answer: Eastern Han Dynasty

Explanation: The significant migration and settlement of these non-Han groups into northern China commenced during the Eastern Han Dynasty, preceding their later role in the fall of the Western Jin.

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The term "Five Barbarians" (Wu Hu) first appeared in historical records in relation to an edict issued in which year?

Answer: 357 AD

Explanation: The earliest documented instance of the phrase "Five Barbarians" or "Wu Hu" is found in an edict issued by Empress Dowager Chu Suanzi in 357 AD.

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Which of the following best describes the ethnic composition of the groups collectively known as the Five Barbarians?

Answer: A mix of proto-Mongolic, Turkic, Tibetan, and Yeniseian peoples.

Explanation: The "Five Barbarians" were ethnically diverse, representing a complex amalgamation of various groups including proto-Mongolic, Turkic, Tibetan, and Yeniseian peoples.

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What was the primary concern among some Han officials regarding the non-Han groups during the Western Jin period?

Answer: Their substantial population growth.

Explanation: The significant increase in the population of these non-Han groups residing within or near the empire's borders became a source of concern for some Han officials during the Western Jin era.

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Minister Jiang Tong proposed a controversial policy regarding the non-Han tribes. What was this policy?

Answer: Relocating them outside the empire's borders.

Explanation: Minister Jiang Tong advocated for the relocation of these tribes beyond the empire's frontiers as a means to manage their growing presence and potential impact.

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The Xiongnu and Southern Xiongnu

The Southern Xiongnu became a vassal of the Han dynasty in 50 AD after their empire split.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the division of the Xiongnu empire, the Southern Xiongnu branch submitted to Han authority and became a vassal state in 50 AD.

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Cao Cao abolished the chanyu office of the Southern Xiongnu and divided them into Five Divisions in 216 AD, leading to their strengthened unity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Cao Cao did abolish the chanyu office and divide the Southern Xiongnu into Five Divisions in 216 AD, this action led to a decline in their unified identity and power, not a strengthening of it.

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Many descendants of the Southern Xiongnu adopted the surname "Liu" to assert their connection to the Han imperial lineage through marriage alliances.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adopting the surname "Liu" was a strategy employed by many Southern Xiongnu descendants to claim legitimacy and assert a connection to the Han imperial family, often through historical heqin (marriage alliance) practices.

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Liu Yuan founded the Later Zhao dynasty in 304 AD, claiming descent from the Han emperors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Liu Yuan, a descendant of Southern Xiongnu royalty, founded the *Han-Zhao* dynasty in 304 AD, not the Later Zhao dynasty. He did, however, claim descent from Han emperors to legitimize his rule.

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In what year did the Southern Xiongnu branch become a vassal of the Han dynasty?

Answer: 50 AD

Explanation: After internal divisions weakened their power, the Southern Xiongnu submitted to Han authority and became a vassal state in 50 AD.

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What significant action did Cao Cao take regarding the Southern Xiongnu in 216 AD?

Answer: He abolished the chanyu office and divided them into Five Divisions.

Explanation: In 216 AD, Cao Cao dismantled the traditional leadership structure of the Southern Xiongnu by abolishing the chanyu office and reorganizing them into five administrative divisions.

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Why did many descendants of the Southern Xiongnu adopt the surname "Liu"?

Answer: To claim legitimacy by asserting descent from Han princesses.

Explanation: Adopting the Han imperial surname "Liu" was a strategic move by Southern Xiongnu descendants to enhance their political legitimacy by claiming lineage ties, often through historical marriage alliances with Han royalty.

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Who founded the Han-Zhao dynasty in 304 AD during the War of the Eight Princes?

Answer: Liu Yuan

Explanation: Liu Yuan, a prominent figure from the Southern Xiongnu nobility, established the Han-Zhao dynasty in 304 AD amidst the political turmoil of the War of the Eight Princes.

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The Jie, Xianbei, and Wuhuan Peoples

The Jie people are believed by some scholars to have originated from the Tocharian or Eastern Iranian peoples of Sogdia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The precise origins of the Jie people remain a subject of scholarly debate, with prominent theories suggesting connections to Tocharian or Eastern Iranian groups from Sogdia, or alternatively, to Yeniseian peoples.

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Shi Le, a prominent Jie leader, founded the Han-Zhao dynasty in 319 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shi Le, a significant Jie leader, founded the *Later Zhao* dynasty in 319 AD. The Han-Zhao dynasty was previously established by Liu Yuan.

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The Xianbei and Wuhuan peoples originated from the Donghu people, who were fragmented after conflicts with the Xiongnu in the 3rd century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both the Xianbei and Wuhuan groups emerged from the fragmentation of the Donghu people, an event triggered by their defeat at the hands of the Xiongnu in the 3rd century BC.

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Tanshihuai unified the Xianbei and led them to establish the Northern Wei dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tanshihuai was instrumental in unifying the Xianbei tribes in the mid-2nd century AD, leading them in raids against the Han dynasty. However, the Northern Wei dynasty was later founded by the Tuoba clan, another Xianbei group.

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The Tuoba clan, a Xianbei group, founded the Northern Wei dynasty, which eventually reunified northern China.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tuoba clan, originating from the Xianbei people, established the Northern Wei dynasty, a significant state that played a crucial role in the eventual reunification of northern China.

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The Wuhuan were significantly weakened after Cao Cao's victory at the Battle of White Wolf Mountain in 207 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cao Cao's decisive victory over the Wuhuan at the Battle of White Wolf Mountain in 207 AD marked a critical turning point, severely diminishing their power and influence.

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Shi Le, a key historical figure, founded which dynasty in 319 AD?

Answer: Later Zhao

Explanation: Shi Le, a powerful Jie leader, established the Later Zhao dynasty in 319 AD, which became a dominant force in northern China for a period.

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The Xianbei and Wuhuan peoples are described as splintering from which earlier group after conflicts with the Xiongnu?

Answer: The Donghu

Explanation: Both the Xianbei and Wuhuan groups trace their origins to the Donghu people, who were dispersed following military defeats inflicted by the Xiongnu.

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Which Xianbei clan founded the Northern Wei dynasty, a state that eventually reunified northern China?

Answer: Tuoba

Explanation: The Tuoba clan, a prominent Xianbei lineage, established the Northern Wei dynasty, which ultimately played a significant role in the reunification of northern China.

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What significant event in 207 AD severely weakened the Wuhuan?

Answer: The Battle of White Wolf Mountain

Explanation: Cao Cao's decisive military victory at the Battle of White Wolf Mountain in 207 AD critically undermined the Wuhuan's strength and influence.

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The Di and Qiang Peoples

The Di people primarily resided in the western provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan before the Han dynasty's expansion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Di were a semi-nomadic people historically concentrated in the western regions of China, including present-day Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan, prior to the Han dynasty's significant territorial expansion.

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Qi Wannian led a significant rebellion between 296 and 299 AD that devastated the Guanzhong region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Qi Wannian, a chieftain of Di origin, led a major rebellion during the late 3rd century AD that caused widespread destruction in the Guanzhong region and significantly impacted its population.

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The Fu clan, a Di group, founded the Former Qin dynasty, and its most notable ruler was Fu Jian.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Fu clan, a prominent Di lineage, established the Former Qin dynasty. Fu Jian is widely recognized as its most significant ruler, under whom the dynasty achieved considerable power.

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The term "Qiang" referred to a single, unified ethnic group originating from the southern steppes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "Qiang" was a broad designation encompassing various semi-nomadic groups originating from the regions of Qinghai and Gansu in western China, not a single unified group from the southern steppes.

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The Qiang established their only state during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, the Later Qin dynasty, after the Battle of Fei River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Later Qin dynasty, founded by the Qiang leader Yao Chang, represents the only significant state established by Qiang groups within the context of the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

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Yao Xing, ruler of the Later Qin, actively suppressed Buddhism within his kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: Yao Xing, the second ruler of the Later Qin, was a notable proponent of Buddhism. He actively sponsored Buddhist activities and translators, making it a significant religion within his realm.

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The Lushuihu people were primarily located in the northwestern regions of China, between Zhangye and central Shaanxi.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Lushuihu people inhabited northwestern China, with their distribution extending between the area of Zhangye and central Shaanxi.

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The Cong people, also known as the Bandun Man, lived in eastern Sichuan and were later resettled by Cao Cao, mingling with Di people to form the Ba-Di group.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cong people, or Bandun Man, were indigenous to eastern Sichuan. Following Cao Cao's conquest, they were resettled and integrated with local Di populations, forming the distinct Ba-Di group.

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Before the Han dynasty's westward expansion, the Di people primarily resided in which region?

Answer: The western provinces (Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan)

Explanation: The Di people were historically concentrated in the western regions of China, encompassing areas that are now Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces.

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Who was Qi Wannian, known for leading a major rebellion that devastated the Guanzhong region?

Answer: A Di chieftain

Explanation: Qi Wannian was a chieftain belonging to the Di people, who led a significant rebellion that caused extensive damage to the Guanzhong region.

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The Fu clan, a Di group, founded which significant dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period?

Answer: Former Qin

Explanation: The Fu clan, a prominent Di lineage, established the Former Qin dynasty, which became one of the major states during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

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The term "Qiang" broadly referred to various groups of semi-nomadic people originating from which regions of western China?

Answer: Qinghai and Gansu

Explanation: The designation "Qiang" generally encompassed diverse semi-nomadic populations originating from the northwestern regions of China, specifically Qinghai and Gansu.

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Which dynasty did the Qiang establish as their first and only state during the Sixteen Kingdoms period?

Answer: Later Qin

Explanation: The Later Qin dynasty, founded by Yao Chang, represents the principal and sole state established by Qiang groups during the tumultuous Sixteen Kingdoms era.

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Yao Xing, the ruler of the Later Qin dynasty, played a significant role in promoting which religion?

Answer: Buddhism

Explanation: Yao Xing was a notable patron of Buddhism, actively supporting its translation and dissemination, thereby significantly contributing to its spread within his kingdom.

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The Lushuihu people were distributed in northwestern China, between Zhangye and which other region?

Answer: Central Shaanxi

Explanation: The geographical distribution of the Lushuihu people extended across northwestern China, encompassing the area between Zhangye and central Shaanxi.

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The Cong people, also known as the Bandun Man, originally inhabited which region of China?

Answer: Eastern Sichuan

Explanation: The Cong people, also referred to as the Bandun Man, were indigenous to the region of eastern Sichuan.

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After Cao Cao conquered eastern Sichuan in 215 AD, many Cong people were resettled and mingled with the local Di people, forming which new group?

Answer: The Ba-Di

Explanation: Following their resettlement and integration with the Di population, the Cong people became part of the group known as the Ba-Di.

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The Western Jin Collapse and the Sixteen Kingdoms

The War of the Eight Princes led to the collapse of central Jin authority, prompting many "barbarian" groups to rebel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The internal conflict of the War of the Eight Princes severely weakened the Western Jin dynasty's central authority, creating an environment where many non-Han groups initiated rebellions.

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The Sixteen Kingdoms period refers to a time when the Han Chinese re-established unified rule over northern China after the fall of the Western Jin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sixteen Kingdoms period was characterized by the establishment of numerous states founded by the "Five Barbarians" and other non-Han groups in northern China and Sichuan, not by a Han Chinese reunification.

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Gao Yun, a member of the captured Goguryeo imperial family, is considered the founder of the Northern Yan dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Gao Yun, who originated from the Goguryeo imperial family, is recognized by historians as either the last ruler of the Later Yan dynasty or the inaugural ruler of the Northern Yan dynasty, following his usurpation of power.

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The War of the Eight Princes significantly weakened the Western Jin dynasty, leading to what consequence for the "barbarian" tribes?

Answer: Many rebelled and established their own kingdoms.

Explanation: The destabilization caused by the War of the Eight Princes created opportunities for many "barbarian" groups to assert their independence, leading to widespread rebellions and the foundation of new states.

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What historical period is characterized by numerous states founded by the "Five Barbarians" and other non-Han groups in northern China after the Western Jin dynasty's collapse?

Answer: The Sixteen Kingdoms

Explanation: The period following the Western Jin's collapse, marked by the establishment of various states by non-Han peoples, is collectively known as the Sixteen Kingdoms.

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During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Goguryeo was primarily a rival to which group?

Answer: The Murong-Xianbei

Explanation: Goguryeo frequently engaged in conflict with the Murong-Xianbei groups, particularly the Former Yan state, during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

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Gao Yun, historically significant for his role in the Northern Yan dynasty, was originally a member of which group?

Answer: The captured Goguryeo imperial family

Explanation: Gao Yun hailed from the Goguryeo imperial family, a background that shaped his later political trajectory and role in establishing the Northern Yan dynasty.

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Historical Terminology and Interpretation

Modern historians like Chen Yinke suggested the term "Five Barbarians" might have referred to the theoretical concept of the "Five Virtues of Beginning and End."

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholars such as Chen Yinke and Zhou Yiliang have proposed that in certain historical contexts, the term "Five Barbarians" may have alluded to the philosophical concept of the "Five Virtues of Beginning and End," used for legitimizing rule.

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The categorization of the Five Barbarians as Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, Di, and Qiang gained widespread acceptance during the Tang Dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The specific categorization of the "Five Barbarians" became widely accepted during the Southern Song Dynasty, significantly influenced by Hu Sanxing's annotations on the *Zizhi Tongjian*.

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According to modern historians like Chen Yinke, what alternative interpretation exists for the use of "Five Barbarians" in some historical contexts?

Answer: It might have referred to the theoretical concept of the "Five Virtues of Beginning and End."

Explanation: Historians like Chen Yinke have proposed that the term "Five Barbarians" in certain texts might have been a metaphorical reference to the philosophical concept of the "Five Virtues of Beginning and End."

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The specific categorization of the Five Barbarians (Xiongnu, Jie, Xianbei, Di, Qiang) became widely accepted during which dynasty, largely due to Hu Sanxing's annotations?

Answer: Southern Song Dynasty

Explanation: Hu Sanxing's annotations on the *Zizhi Tongjian* during the Southern Song Dynasty were pivotal in solidifying the widespread acceptance of the specific categorization of the "Five Barbarians."

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