Xie An

  • From Restorer to Usurper: Liu Yu and the Fall of the Eastern Jin [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    Introduction: This article traces Liu Yu’s rise from a common soldier to the founder of the Liu Song Dynasty. He suppressed Sun En’s rebellion, defeated Huan Xuan, restored Eastern Jin, then launched successful northern campaigns. Eventually, he usurped the throne, ending Jin’s rule and establishing a new era of reform and stability in the…

  • The Battle of Fei River [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    Brief: This article narrates the Battle of Fei River, a decisive clash between Former Qin and Eastern Jin. Overconfident Fu Jian ignored all warnings and invaded with a huge army. A feigned retreat turned into chaos; his forces collapsed, ending Qin’s unification dream. The Jin won but soon declined, leaving China divided.

  • Huan Wen’s Futile Northern Expeditions [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    Introduction: This article reviews Huan Wen’s three futile Northern Expeditions for Eastern Jin. He conquered Cheng-Han and nearly took Chang’an but hesitated at critical moments. Court distrust and supply failures led to defeat. His ambition reshaped Jin politics, yet his dream of recapturing the north died unfulfilled.

  • Xie Xuan

    Xie Xuan (343–388 CE), courtesy name Youdu, was a native of Yangxia, Chen Commandery (modern-day Taikang, Henan). He was the nephew of the eminent statesman Xie An.

  • Xie An

    Xie An (320–385 CE) was a prominent statesman of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His courtesy name was Anshi, and he was a native of Yangxia, Chen Commandery (modern-day Taikang, Henan).

  • Wang Xizhi

    Wang Xizhi (303–361) was a calligrapher of the Eastern Jin dynasty. His courtesy name was Yishao, and he was from Langya Linyi (in present-day Shandong Province). Born into an aristocratic family, he rose to the rank of General of the Right Army, earning him the popular title “Wang Youjun” (Wang of the Right Army).