Disaster of Yongjia

Quick Facts: Who was Disaster of Yongjia?

Subject:

Disaster of Yongjia

Known for:

The catastrophic sack of Luoyang by Han-Zhao forces in 311 CE, marking a turning point in Chinese history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Disaster of Yongjia (simplified Chinese: 永嘉之乱; traditional Chinese: 永嘉之亂) occurred in July 311 CE, when forces of the Han-Zhao dynasty captured and sacked Luoyang, the capital of the Western Jin dynasty. The Han's army committed a massacre of the city's inhabitants, killing the Jin crown prince, a host of ministers, and over 30,000 civilians. They also burnt down the palaces and dug up the Jin dynasty's mausoleums. Though the Western Jin would survive for a few more years, this event is often seen as one of the worst disasters in Chinese history, as both the emperor and one of the ancient capitals fell to the hands of "barbarian" forces. Despite the War of the Eight Princes concluding in early 307, the Western Jin court, under the paramountcy of the Prince of Donghai, Sima Yue, had to deal subsequently with an assortment of rebellions throughout the empire.

Career & Major Achievements

Most concerning was the Five Divisions in Bing province, descendants of the Southern Xiongnu who had established their state of Han in 304. Under the guise of restoring the Han dynasty, they were able to attract many Chinese and tribal rebels on the North China Plain to their cause. Accompanying the constant warfare were great famines which turned many of the people in northern China into refugees or bandits, and there were even rampant cases of cannibalism. In 308, the Han shifted their capital to the Pingyang Commandery, bringing themselves close to the Jin capital, Luoyang. Prior to 311, there were several attempts by the Han to take Luoyang.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In June 308, the Chinese rebel, Wang Mi, who at this point had only nominally submitted to the Han, led his forces to attack Luoyang shortly after emptying the armory in Xuchang. Despite an early scare, the city's defenders, with reinforcements from Liang province, managed to repel him that same month. In late 309, encouraged by a Jin defector who claimed that the city was weak and isolated, the Emperor of Han, Liu Yuan, sent his son, Liu Cong to attack Luoyang. Along the way, Liu Cong defeated several Jin generals before reaching Yiyang. However, he became complacent with his victories and did not set up any defense.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Disaster of Yongjia

True or False: “The Western Jin dynasty was able to maintain its capital at Luoyang for several decades after the Disaster of Yongjia.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the Western Jin survived a few more years, the sack of Luoyang in 311 CE is considered one of the worst disasters, signaling a profound decline.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Discourses on Salt and Iron — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A pivotal 81 BCE debate on state economic policy during the Han Dynasty.
• Disenfranchisement — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The restriction or revocation of the right to vote or a legal privilege.
• Disfranchisement after the Reconstruction era — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Systematic laws and practices used in the post-Reconstruction South to deny voting rights to Black citizens.
• Disha Patani — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Prominent Indian actress known for fitness and roles in Hindi cinema.
• Disney Renaissance — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A golden age of Disney animation featuring musical successes from 1989 to 1999.
• Dissolution of Austria-Hungary — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The collapse of the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian Empire following World War I.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disaster of Yongjia