Origins & Early Life

Emperor Wu of (Liu) Song ((劉)宋武帝; 16 April 363– 26 June 422), personal name Liu Yu (劉裕), courtesy name Dexing (德興), childhood name Jinu (寄奴), was the founding emperor of the Liu Song dynasty of China. He came from a humble background, but became prominent after leading a rebellion in 404 to overthrow Huan Xuan, who had usurped the Eastern Jin throne in January that year. After that point, using a mixture of political and military skills, Liu Yu gradually concentrated power in his own hands while expanding Jin's territory. In 420, he forced Emperor Gong of Jin to yield the throne to him, thus ending the Eastern Jin dynasty and establishing the Liu Song dynasty.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He ruled only briefly, for two years, before dying and passing the throne to his son, Emperor Shao of Song. An outstanding commander, perhaps the greatest of his era, he conquered two of the Sixteen Kingdoms and remained undefeated throughout his military career. The History of the Southern Dynasties described Liu Yu as seven chi and six cun tall (approximately 1.862 m (6 ft 1.3 in).) Liu Yu was born in 363, to his father Liu Qiao (劉翹) and mother Zhao Anzong (趙安宗), while they were living at Jingkou (京口, in modern...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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