Rebellion of the Seven States

Quick Facts: Who was Rebellion of the Seven States?

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Rebellion of the Seven States

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A major 154 BC revolt by semi-autonomous Han princes against central imperial authority.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Rebellion of the Seven States or Revolt of the Seven Kingdoms (simplified Chinese: 七国之乱; traditional Chinese: 七國之亂; pinyin: Qī Guó zhī Luàn) took place in 154 BC against the rule of Emperor Jing of the Western Han dynasty by its regional semi-autonomous kings, to resist the emperor's attempt to centralize the government further. The rebellion was crushed by the Western Han imperial forces within three months, and the powers of the imperial court grew exponentially afterward. At the beginning of the Han dynasty, Liu Bang—Emperor Gaozu of Han—created princely titles for many of his relatives in certain territories that accounted for between approximately one-third to one-half of the empire. This was an attempt to consolidate Liu family rule over the parts of China that were not ruled directly from the capital under the commandery (simplified Chinese: 郡县; traditional Chinese: 郡縣; pinyin: jùnxiàn) system. During the reign of Emperor Wen, these princes were still setting their own laws, but in addition they were minting their own coins (albeit with Emperor Wen's approval) and collecting their own taxes.

Career & Major Achievements

Many princes were effectively ignoring the imperial government's authority within their own principalities. When Emperor Jing became emperor in 157 BC, the rich principality of Wu was especially domineering. Emperor Jing already had an inimical relationship with his cousin-once-removed Liu Pi, Prince of Wu, the nephew of his grandfather, Han founder Emperor Gaozu. The principality of Wu enjoyed, among other natural resources, abundant copper and salt supplies. Around 179-175 BC, when Emperor Jing was still Crown Prince Qi, Liu Pi's heir apparent Liu Xian (Chinese: 劉賢) had been on an official visit to the capital Chang'an and they competed in a liubo board game.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

During arguments over the game, Liu Xian offended Crown Prince Qi, who beat him to death with the board. Liu Pi hated Emperor Jing for causing the death of Liu Xian. Emperor Jing's key advisor Chao Cuo suggested using as excuses offenses that the princes had committed which had generally been ignored by Emperor Wen, that he cut down the sizes of the principalities to make them less threatening. Chao explicitly contemplated the possibility that Wu and other principalities might rebel, but justified the action by asserting that if they were going to rebel, it would be better to let them rebel earlier than later when they might be more prepared. Emperor Jing, in 154 BC, thus ordered the following punishments: He carved out the commandery of Donghai from the Principality of Chu (modern northern Jiangsu and northern Anhui), based on Liu Wu, Prince of Chu, being caught drinking during the mourning period for Empress Dowager Bo.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Rebellion of the Seven States

True or False: “The rebellion was solely caused by the desire of the princes to establish a fully independent kingdom separate from Han rule.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While autonomy was desired, the immediate catalyst for the revolt was Emperor Jing's punitive actions, such as carving out commanderies from their principalities.

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