Chengjia ( Chinese : 成家 ; 25–36 AD), also called the Cheng dynasty or Great Cheng , was a self-proclaimed empire established by Gongsun Shu in 25 AD after the collapse of the Xin dynasty of Chinese history, rivalling the Eastern Han dynasty founded by Emperor Guangwu later in the same year. Based in the Sichuan Basin with its capital at Chengdu , Chengjia covered a large area including modern Sichuan , Chongqing , Guizhou , Yunnan , and southern Shaanxi , and comprised about 7% of China's population at the time. Chengjia was the most dangerous rival to the Eastern Han and was the last separatist regime in China to be conquered by the latter, in 36 AD.
35-935: [REDACTED] Look up cheng in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Cheng may refer to: Chinese states [ edit ] Chengjia or Cheng (25–36 AD) Cheng-Han or Cheng (304–338) Zheng (state) , or Cheng in Wade–Giles Places [ edit ] Chengdu , abbreviated as Cheng Cheng County , in Gansu, China Cheng Township , in Malacca, Malaysia People [ edit ] Cheng (surname) , Chinese surname Zheng (surname) , Cheng in Wade–Giles and Cantonese ChEng, abbreviation for chief engineer Other uses [ edit ] Cheng language ,
70-479: A Mon–Khmer language of southern Laos Cheng (musical instrument) , an ancient Chinese musical instrument See also [ edit ] Zheng (disambiguation) , or Cheng in Wade–Giles Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Cheng . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to
105-584: A new era name would reset the numbering of the year back to year one, known as yuán nián ( 元年 ; lit. "year of origin"). On the first day of the Chinese calendar , the numbering of the year would increase by one. To name a year using an era name only requires counting years from the first year of the era. For example, 609 CE was the fifth year of Daye ( 大業 ; lit. "great endeavour"), as the era began in 605 CE; traditional Chinese sources would therefore refer to 609 CE as Dàyè wǔ nián ( 大業五年 ). The numbering of
140-675: A total of seven era names during his reign. The Hongwu Emperor started the tradition of having only one era name for one monarch—known as the yí shì yì yuán zhì ( 一世一元制 ; lit. "one-era-name-for-a-reign system"). Thus, modern historians would frequently refer to monarchs of the Ming and Qing dynasties by their respective era name. Notable exceptions to this "one-era-name" tradition included Zhu Qizhen who proclaimed two era names for his two separate reigns, Aisin Gioro Hong Taiji who used two era names to reflect his position as khan of
175-659: Is based on the era name system of Imperial China. Numerous attempts to reinstate monarchical rule in China had resulted in the declaration of additional era names after the founding of the Republic, but these regimes and their associated era names were short-lived. In 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded and the era was changed to the Common Era , for both internal and external affairs in mainland China . This notation
210-581: Is conventionally regarded as the first ruler to declare an era name. Prior to the introduction of the first era name in 140 BCE, Chinese monarchs utilized the Qianyuan ( 前元 ), Zhongyuan ( 中元 ) and Houyuan ( 後元 ) systems to identify and number years. Prior to the Ming dynasty , it was common for Chinese sovereigns to change the era name during their reigns, resulting in the use of more than one era name for one ruler. For instance, Emperor Xuan of Han used
245-624: The Emperor Wencheng of Northern Yan ). Most Chinese era names consisted of two Chinese characters , even though era names with three, four and six characters also existed. Shijianguo ( 始建國 ; lit. "the beginning of establishing a country") of the Xin dynasty , Tiancewansui ( 天冊萬歲 ; lit. "Heaven-conferred longevity") of the Wu Zhou , and Tiancilishengguoqing ( 天賜禮盛國慶 ; lit. "Heaven-bestowed ritualistic richness, nationally celebrated") of
280-617: The Emperor Xiaozhuang of Northern Wei took the throne. On the other hand, the era name Tianxian ( 天顯 ; lit. "heavenly intent") was originally proclaimed by the Emperor Taizu of Liao but its usage was continued by the Emperor Taizong of Liao upon assuming the throne. There were numerous era names that saw repeated use throughout Chinese history. For instance, the era name Taiping ( 太平 ; lit. "great peace")
315-808: The Later Jin and later as emperor of the Qing dynasty, as well as Aisin Gioro Puyi who adopted three era names in his capacity as emperor of the Qing dynasty and subsequently as ruler of Manchukuo . With the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912 CE, the Chinese era name system was superseded by the Republic of China calendar which remains in official use in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu Islands . The Republic of China calendar, while not an era name,
350-554: The Republic of China in 1912 CE, when the era name system was superseded by the Republic of China calendar . Other polities in the Sinosphere — Korea , Vietnam and Japan —also adopted the concept of era name as a result of Chinese politico-cultural influence. Chinese era names were titles adopted for the purpose of identifying and numbering years in Imperial China. Era names originated as mottos or slogans chosen by
385-543: The Three Gorges on the Yangtze , Chengjia's eastern frontier, Chengjia forces built a floating bridge across the river mounted with war towers, linking fortifications on both banks. In April or May of 35, aided by a favourable easterly wind, Han naval forces sailed upstream to the bridge and attacked it with torches. The wooden bridge caught fire and burned down, removing the obstacle to Han invasions by water. Despite
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#1732764693012420-486: The Western Xia are examples of Chinese era names that bore more than two characters. Era names were symbols of political orthodoxy and legitimacy. Hence, most Chinese monarchs would proclaim a new era upon the founding of a new dynasty. Rebel leaders who sought to establish independence and legitimacy also declared their own era names. Often, vassal states and tributary states of Imperial China would officially adopt
455-575: The Era System, their treaties with other countries are in the Dionysian Era ( AD ) system. In modern times, only Republic of China and Japan still continue to use the ancient Chinese era naming system. Even in the domestic arena, the era system can present difficult dilemmas. For example, in Japan, it is difficult to keep track of the age of people who were born in the previous era. Also, while
490-747: The Han capital Luoyang . Gongsun Shu modelled his government after that of the Han dynasty, and appointed his advisor Li Xiong and his younger brothers, Guang and Hui, as the Three Excellencies . Gongsun Guang was the Grand Marshal ( sima ), Gongsun Hui the Minister of Works ( sikong ), and Li Xiong the Minister of the Masses ( situ ). After Yan Cen and Tian Rong submitted to Chengjia, Yan
525-490: The Han forces on 24 December. Wounded in the battle, he died in the night, and the defenders of Chengdu under Marshal Yan Cen surrendered the following day, marking the end of Chengjia. Two days later, Wu Han granted his soldiers permission to loot Chengdu and burn down the imperial palace. He massacred Gongsun's extended family including his wife and children, as well as Yan Cen and his family. Many other people were also killed. The court musicians of Chengjia were later sent to
560-742: The ROC and Japan both continue to use the ancient Chinese era system, since they have partially adopted the Gregorian calendar for non-governmental use, it is more difficult to track down dates that fall on February 29 leap year in the Western calendar. Furthermore, in Japan, in theory it is difficult to mention future dates since it is sometimes hard to tell whether the current emperor will live long enough for its citizens to use that era name. However, in practice, documents like driver's licenses and 50-year leases use era dates without regard to this problem. On
595-620: The era name of the reigning Chinese monarch as a sign of subordination—a practice known as fèng zhēng shuò ( 奉正朔 ; lit. "following the first month of the year and the first day of the month"). For example, Korean regimes such as Silla , Goryeo , and Joseon at various times formally adopted the era names of the Tang , Wu Zhou, Later Liang , Later Tang , Later Jin , Later Han , Later Zhou , Northern Song , Liao , Jin , Yuan , Northern Yuan , Ming , and Qing dynasties of China for both domestic and diplomatic purposes. The Emperor Wu of Han
630-545: The initial success, the Han campaign was slow and difficult because of natural obstacles. Moreover, Chengjia sent assassins who managed to kill general Lai Xi ( 來歙 ) and then Cen Peng, chief commander of the Han forces, which were subsequently led by Wu Han and Zang Gong ( 臧宫 ). The Han forces reached Chengdu in December of 36, with only a week's supplies left. They were on the verge of accepting failure and withdrawing, when Gongsun Shu decided to personally lead an attack on
665-411: The intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cheng&oldid=1178263377 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Chengjia Chengjia, literally the "House of Cheng", was named after its capital Chengdu . It
700-489: The natural defences enjoyed by the Sichuan basin, and the unsettled conditions in the newly established Eastern Han. In 34, Emperor Guangwu conquered Gansu, held by Wei Chun, the son and successor of Wei Ao. Chengjia sent general Li Yu ( 李育 ) with a force of more than 10,000 to assist Wei Chun, to no avail. After Guangwu conquered the rest of China, he dispatched a force led by Cen Peng ( 岑彭 ) to conquer Chengjia. Below
735-520: The north and Ren Man ( 任滿 ) to Jiangzhou (modern Chongqing ) to the east, and took control of the entire Yi Province of the Han dynasty. Other rebel forces who were defeated by Emperor Guangwu, most importantly Yan Cen ( 延岑 ) and Tian Rong ( 田戎 ), also submitted to Chengjia. The warlord Wei Ao (or Wei Xiao), who controlled eastern Gansu and was under constant pressure from the Eastern Han, submitted to Chengjia. Gongsun Shu bestowed on Wei Ao
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#1732764693012770-541: The other hand, others suggest that the AD system has too much Christian connotation behind it and it is a form of cultural imperialism when an essentially European system of dating is forced upon other civilizations with their own long-used and equally legitimate dating systems. However, with globalization, the AD system is becoming more acceptable in Japan and the ROC. Modern history researchers do not care about era names except for supporting other arguments, such as figuring out
805-537: The people. Chinese era name Chinese era names , also known as reign mottos , were titles used by various Chinese dynasties and regimes in Imperial China for the purpose of year identification and numbering . The first monarch to adopt era names was the Emperor Wu of Han in 140 BCE, and this system remained the official method of year identification and numbering until the establishment of
840-489: The reigning monarch and usually reflected the political, economic and/or social landscapes at the time. For instance, the first era name proclaimed by the Emperor Wu of Han , Jianyuan ( 建元 ; lit. "establishing the origin"), was reflective of its status as the first era name. Similarly, the era name Jianzhongjingguo ( 建中靖國 ; lit. "establishing a moderate and peaceful country") used by the Emperor Huizong of Song
875-544: The second year of Dali began on the first day of the Chinese calendar the following year, just two months after its initiation. When a new monarch ascended to the throne, he could either declare a new era immediately or inherit the usage of the existing era name from his predecessor. For example, the era name Wutai ( 武泰 ; lit. "exalted martial") of the Emperor Xiaoming of Northern Wei was immediately replaced with Jianyi ( 建義 ; lit. "establishing justice") when
910-590: The title King of Shuoning and sent a force to support him. At the time, Emperor Guangwu was embroiled in the civil war engulfing much of China, and Gongsun Shu's advisor proposed attacking Han while it was still weak. However, despite Chengjia's vast territory, its population comprised only 7% of China's total at the time, and Gongsun Shu rejected the proposal. Still, Chengjia remained Han's most dangerous rival, and Guangwu took care not to antagonize Gongsun Shu, even addressing him as "emperor" in his letters. Chengjia remained independent for more than ten years, owing to
945-472: The titles General Fuhan ("assisting Han") and Governor of Shu Commandery and of Yi Province (which included most of modern Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Yunnan). The following year, he declared himself the King of Shu under the Han empire, with Chengdu as his capital. In the fourth month (May or June in Western calendar) of 25 AD, Gongsun Shu declared himself emperor in defiance of Gengshi, whose throne
980-441: The use of era names today. While the era system is a more traditional system of dating that preserves Chinese and Japanese culture, it presents a problem for the more globalized Asian society and for everyday life. For example, even though within the nation people will know what era they are in, it is relatively meaningless for other nations. In addition, while the Republic of China (ROC) and Japan only recognize documents dated in
1015-502: The year would still increase on the first day of the Chinese calendar each year, regardless of the month in which the era name was adopted. For example, as the Emperor Daizong of Tang replaced the era name Yongtai ( 永泰 ; lit. "perpetual peace") with Dali ( 大曆 ; lit. "great era") in the eleventh month of the Chinese calendar in 766 CE, the first year of Dali thus only consisted of the last two months of that particular year;
1050-712: Was also called the Cheng dynasty or Great Cheng, meaning "complete" or "accomplished". After Wang Mang usurped the throne of the Western Han dynasty and proclaimed himself emperor of the Xin dynasty in 9 AD, he promoted Gongsun Shu to be the governor of Daojiang (the former Shu Commandery of Han). In 23, rebels overthrew Wang Mang and restored the Han dynasty under Liu Xuan, the Gengshi Emperor . Gongsun Shu ostensibly declared his allegiance to Gengshi while defeating an army sent by Liu to take over Shu. He assumed
1085-466: Was appointed Grand Marshal and enfeoffed as King of Runing ( 汝寧王 ), and Tian was enfeoffed as King of Yijiang ( 翼江王 ). Gongsun Shu abolished Han dynasty copper coins and issued his own Wu Zhu coins for Chengjia, which resemble the Han Wu Zhu coins but are made of iron, possibly because Sichuan was then China's dominant producer of the metal. However, the change of currency proved unpopular with
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1120-526: Was being threatened by the forces of Liu Xiu . He named his self-declared empire as Chengjia and adopted the era name Longxing (龍興, "Dragon Rising"). A few months later, Liu Xiu proclaimed himself Emperor Guangwu of the restored Han dynasty (Eastern Han). Chengjia initially only had direct control of the Sichuan basin. Soon Ren Gui ( 任贵 ) took control of Yuesui Commandery (modern southern Sichuan and northern Yunnan) and submitted to Chengjia. Gongsun Shu sent general Hou Dan ( 侯丹 ) to take over Hanzhong in
1155-423: Was extended to Hong Kong in 1997 and Macau in 1999 (de facto extended in 1966) through Annex III of Hong Kong Basic Law and Macau Basic Law , thus eliminating the ROC calendar in these areas. The concept of era name also saw its adoption by neighboring Korea and Vietnam since the middle of the 6th century CE, and by Japan since the middle of the 7th century CE. Notably, Japan still officially retains
1190-402: Was indicative of Huizong's idealism towards moderating the rivalry among the conservative and progressive factions regarding political and social reforms. The process of declaring an era name was referred to in traditional Chinese historical texts as jiànyuán ( 建元 ). Proclaiming a new era name to replace an existing era name was known as gǎiyuán ( 改元 ; lit. "change the origin"). Instituting
1225-518: Was used on at least ten occasions in China. In such cases, Chinese sources would often affix the name of the dynasty or the ruler before the era name for the purpose of disambiguation. For example, when referencing the year 410 CE, Chinese sources could either render it as Běi Yān Tàipíng èr nián ( 北燕太平二年 ; lit. "second year of Taiping of the Northern Yan ") or Běi Yān Wéngchéng Dì Tàipíng èr nián ( 北燕文成帝太平二年 ; lit. "second year of Taiping of
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