The Five Barbarians
A Chronicle of Ancient China's Northern Frontier: Exploring the diverse ethnic groups who shaped the tumultuous landscape of Imperial China.
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Introduction
Defining the "Wu Hu"
The term "Five Barbarians," or Wu Hu (ไบ่ก) in Chinese, is a historical exonym used in Chinese historiography. It refers to five distinct non-Han ethnic groups who migrated into northern China during the Eastern Han dynasty. These groups played a pivotal role in the subsequent collapse of the Western Jin dynasty, establishing their own kingdoms across northern China and Sichuan during the tumultuous 4th and 5th centuries.
Historical Context and Impact
These peoples were not monolithic; they represented a complex tapestry of nomadic, semi-nomadic, and settled groups from the northern steppes and western highlands. Their presence and eventual assertion of power significantly altered the political and cultural landscape of China, ushering in the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms and profoundly influencing the subsequent development of Chinese history.
A Simplification of Reality
It is crucial to understand that "Five Barbarians" is a simplification. While five primary groups are most commonly cited, the historical period involved a greater diversity of non-Han peoples. The term itself gained wider currency and definition during the Southern Song dynasty, reflecting a later historical categorization rather than a contemporary self-designation by these groups.
The Five Primary Peoples
Xiongnu
Originating from the northern steppes, the Xiongnu were a powerful nomadic confederation that had long been rivals to the Han dynasty. Their ethnic identity remains debated, with theories suggesting Yeniseian or Iranian linguistic affiliations. By the Eastern Han, their empire had fractured, with the Southern Xiongnu becoming vassals and settling within China's borders.
Jie
Another pastoral people, the Jie were present in the northern province of Bing. Their origins are also uncertain, potentially linked to the Xiongnu, or possibly Yeniseian or Eastern Iranian peoples. The famous leader Shi Le rose from the Jie to establish the Later Zhao dynasty.
Xianbei
Likely of Mongolic origin, the Xianbei were a prominent nomadic group from the Mongolian Plateau. They unified under chieftains like Tanshihuai and frequently raided Han borders. Various Xianbei tribes, such as the Murong and Tuoba, later settled within China and played significant roles in establishing successor states.
Qiang
Hailing from the highlands of western China, the Qiang were predominantly herdsmen speaking Sino-Tibetan (Tibeto-Burman) languages. They often submitted to Chinese rule but also engaged in frequent rebellions due to oppression. The Later Qin dynasty was founded by a Qiang chieftain.
Di
Also originating from the western highlands, the Di were farmers. Their linguistic affiliation is debated, possibly Sino-Tibetan or Turkic. They resided in regions like Gansu and Sichuan and were involved in numerous uprisings against Chinese dynasties, with groups like the Ba-Di founding the Cheng-Han regime.
Detailed Group Origins and Affiliations
Xiongnu: A Fading Power
By the 1st century AD, the Xiongnu empire had significantly weakened. The Southern Xiongnu became Han vassals, resettled across frontier commanderies. In 216 AD, Cao Cao abolished the chanyu office, dividing them into Five Divisions. This dispersal led to a decline in their distinct identity, with many adopting Han surnames and titles, though resentment persisted.
Jie: Uncertain Roots
The Jie are characterized by their uncertain origins, with theories pointing towards Tocharian, Eastern Iranian, or Yeniseian peoples. A severe famine in 303 AD led to their displacement and enslavement. Despite their potentially small numbers, Shi Le's leadership propelled them to prominence, founding the Later Zhao dynasty, which dominated northern China for decades.
Xianbei: Nomadic Dominance
After defeating the Donghu, the Xianbei occupied the Mongolian Plateau. Under chieftains like Tanshihuai, they posed a significant threat to the Han. Several Xianbei tribes, including the Murong and Tuoba, became Chinese vassals, settling within the Great Wall. These groups would later establish powerful states.
Di: Highland Dwellers
The Di were semi-nomadic peoples from western China. Initially Han tributaries, they frequently rebelled after the Han dynasty's decline. Cao Cao relocated some Di populations to mitigate their influence. Their internal divisions and migrations led to the formation of various regimes.
Qiang: Western Herdsmen
The Qiang comprised various western semi-nomadic groups. Many submitted to Chinese rule, settling in regions like Guanzhong and practicing agriculture alongside Han settlers. Despite periods of cooperation, oppression often led to significant rebellions. They also served as soldiers for various Chinese states.
Beyond the Core Five
Lushuihu
The Lushuihu, or "Lu River Barbarians," inhabited northwestern China. Their exact origins are debated, possibly being a generic term for local hu tribes or descendants of the Lesser Yuezhi mixed with Qiang. The Juqu clan, founders of the Northern Liang dynasty, were of Lushuihu ethnicity but were classified as Xiongnu to fit the prevailing terminology.
Ba Cong (Ba-Di)
Originating from the Ba region in eastern Sichuan, the Bandun Man, also known as Cong, mingled with local Di people after resettlement. These Ba-Di founded the Cheng-Han dynasty in Sichuan. Other Ba chieftains also led uprisings against the Han-Zhao dynasty.
Dingling
A nomadic people originally south of Lake Baikal, a branch migrated west and eventually into China. The Zhai clan of the Western Dingling founded the short-lived Zhai Wei dynasty. Those remaining on the northern steppes became known by later names like Chile or Gaoche.
Goguryeo
A kingdom from the Korean peninsula, Goguryeo was a rival to the Murong-Xianbei. Members of its imperial family were captured and resettled in China, with one, Gao Yun, eventually overthrowing the Murong rulers and potentially founding the Northern Yan dynasty.
Wuhuan
Like the Xianbei, the Wuhuan splintered from the Donghu. Allowed to settle within China for military service, their power was broken by Cao Cao in 207 AD. Relocated southward, they gradually assimilated, with their name becoming a generic term for hu tribes of Donghu background.
Dynastic Shifts and the Sixteen Kingdoms
The Upheaval of the Five Barbarians
During the War of the Eight Princes and the subsequent collapse of central authority in the Western Jin dynasty, many of these non-Han groups, alongside Han compatriots, rebelled. This period, known as the Upheaval of the Five Barbarians, led to the fall of the Western Jin and the establishment of numerous states in northern China and Sichuan.
Sinicization and Identity
Throughout their interactions with Chinese dynasties, these groups underwent varying degrees of Sinicization, adopting Chinese administrative practices, language, and sometimes surnames. However, they often retained distinct cultural identities and grievances, which fueled their political ambitions and military actions. The legacy of the Five Barbarians highlights the complex interplay of ethnicity, power, and cultural transformation in ancient China.
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References
References
- John W. Dardess, Governing China: 150-1850 Hackett Publishing 2010 p. 9
- Vovin, Alexander. "Did the Xiongnu speak a Yeniseian language?". Central Asiatic Journal 44/1 (2000), pp. 87-104.
- Lewis, Mark Edward (2009). China between Empires: The Northern and Southern Dynasties. Harvard University Press. p. 82-83.
- Guo Ji Zhongguo Yu Yan Xue Ping Lun, Volume 1, Issue 1, J. Benjamins 1996. page 7.
- Tang China: vision and splendour of golden age, by Edmund Capon. 1989, page 14.
- Renditions, Issues 15-18. Centre for Translation Projects, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1981, page 82.
- China, by Pin-chia Kuo. Oxford University Press, 1970, page 36.
- China: A Macro History, by Ray Huang. Routledge 2015. page.?
- Fan Ye, "Book of Later Han" (Hou Han Shu), Ch. 79, f. 7b
- and in Bichurin N.A., Collection of information on peoples in Central Asia in ancient times", vol. 1, Sankt Petersburg, 1851, pp. 146รขยย147 (In Russian)
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