Emperor Xiao Wudi
Emperor Xiao Wudi became the ninth emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty in 373 CE after the death of Emperor Jian Wendi. His title Xiao Wudi (Hsiao Wen-ti) means “Filial Martial Emperor”.
During his reign, Emperor Xiao Wudi became a Buddhist. Along with court officials, wealthy and royal families, many Buddhist monks also lived in the emperor’s palace.
Xiao Wudi’s armies faced renewed attacks from the northern tribes and new attacks from the southern Chinese. The years of war left many people homeless and famine spread throughout the land of the Eastern Jin. The wealthy families with their armies and the emperor’s generals soon had more power than Emperor Xiao Wudi.
Emperor Xiao Wudi died in 396 CE. Upon his death, Andi succeeded him as emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty.
Emperor Andi
Emperor Andi became the tenth emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty in 397 CE. His title Andi means “Peaceful Emperor”.
Emperor Andi’s armies once more tried to gain ground in the north by attacking the tribes north of the Yangzi. Unfortunately, the wealthy families did not support Emperor Andi and his armies were unsuccessful. Tension continued between all groups – wealthy families and the Emperor’s government, peasants new to the area and those connected to established households, the Emperor’s armies and the northern tribes.
Emperor Andi died in 418 CE. Upon his death, Gongdi succeeded him as emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty.
Emperor Gongdi
Emperor Gongdi became the eleventh emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty in 419 CE. His father was Emperor Xiao Wudi. His title Gongdi means “Respectful Emperor”.
A new group, the Toba Wei, had moved into the area once known as the Kingdom of Wei, which was north of the Yangzi River. Emperor Gongdi was forced to abdicate the throne by one of his generals, Liu Yu.
Emperor Gongdi died in 419 CE. Upon his death, Wudi succeeded him as emperor of the newly created Liu Song dynasty.
