Jin (Chinese state)

Quick Facts: Who was Jin (Chinese state)?

Subject:

Jin (Chinese state)

Known for:

A major state during the Zhou dynasty, central to early Chinese political history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Jin (traditional Chinese: 晉; simplified Chinese: 晋, Old Chinese: *tsi[n]-s), originally known as Tang (唐), was a major state during the middle part of the Zhou dynasty, based near the centre of what was then China, on the lands attributed to the legendary Xia dynasty: the southern part of modern Shanxi. Although it grew in power during the Spring and Autumn period, its aristocratic structure saw it break apart when the duke lost power to his nobles. In 403 BC, the Zhou court recognized Jin's three successor states: Han, Zhao, and Wei. The Partition of Jin marks the end of the Spring and Autumn period and the beginning of the Warring States period. Jin was located in the lower Fen River drainage basin on the Shanxi plateau.

Career & Major Achievements

To the north were the Xirong and Beidi peoples. To the west were the Lüliang Mountains and then the Loess Plateau of northern Shaanxi. To the southwest the Fen River turns west to join the south-flowing part of the Yellow River which soon leads to the Guanzhong, an area of the Wei River Valley that was the heartland of the Western Zhou and later of the Qin. To the south are the Zhongtiao Mountains and then the east–west valley of the Yellow River which was the main route to the Wei Valley to the west. To the east were the Taihang Mountains and then the North China Plain.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This location gave ambitious Jin dukes the opportunity to move north to conquer and absorb the Xirong tribes, move southwest to fight Qin, and move southeast to absorb the many smaller Zhou states. Also important to the region were the large states of Chu to the south in the Yangtze and Huai River regions and Qi to the east in Shandong. Jin had multiple capitals. The first capital of Jin was Tang (唐). The capital was later moved to E (鄂), then Jiang (絳), then Xintian (新田).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Jin (Chinese state)

True or False: “The Partition of Jin immediately caused the start of the Warring States period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states that the Partition of Jin marked the end of the Spring and Autumn period and the beginning of the Warring States period.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Jin dynasty (1115–1234) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A Jurchen-led imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1115 to 1234.
• Jin dynasty (266–420) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Imperial Chinese dynasty (266–420 CE) that saw the reunification and subsequent division of China.
• Jin Goo — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Acclaimed South Korean actor known for intense roles in thrillers like Mother.
• Jin Ha — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: South Korean-born American actor known for roles in Devs, Pachinko, and Broadway musicals.
• Jin Ji-hee — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: South Korean actress known for roles in dramas like Alone in Love and The Penthouse.
• Jin Jong-oh — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: South Korean sports shooter and four-time Olympic champion in shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jin (Chinese state)