There isn’t a lot to say about the emperors of the Three Kingdoms Wu. Their reigns were mostly short and unenventful. While their names have withstood the test of time, they never had the same impact on China as other emperors, such as Emperor Qin Shihuangdi and Emperor Jingdi of China’s Western Han Dynasty.
Three Kingdoms Wu: Emperor Wudi
Wudi’s name at birth was Sun Quan (Sun Ch’uan). He was the ruler of the Kingdom of Wu in southeastern China from 222-252 CE. Wudi means “Martial Emperor”.
Although, Sun Ce (Sun Ts’e), Wudi’s brother, founded the Kingdom of Wu, Wudi called the Sun family the imperial house of Wu. With its capital at Jiankang (Nanjing) and its access to rivers and the sea, the Kingdom of Wu controlled many trade routes.
The Kingdom of Wu were political allies with the Kingdom of Shu Han in southwestern China.
Wendi died in 252 CE and Feidi succeeded him as ruler of the Kingdom of Wu.
Three Kingdoms Wu: Emperor Feidi
After the death of Wudi in 252 CE, Feidi became the second ruler of the Kingdom of Wu in 252 CE.
Feidi means “Yielding Emperor”.
Feidi died in 258 CE. Jingdi succeeded him as ruler of the Kingdom of Wu.
Three Kingdoms Wu: Emperor Jingdi
After the death of Feidi in 258 CE, Jingdi became the third ruler of the Kingdom of Wu in 258 CE. Jingdi means “Brilliant Emperor”.
Jingdi died in 264 CE. Modi succeeded him as ruler of the Kingdom of Wu.
Three Kingdoms Wu: Emperor Modi
After the death of Jingdi 264 CE, Modi, Wudi’s grandson, became the fourth and last ruler of the Kingdom of Wu in 264 CE. Modi means “Final Emperor”.
Modi had a relatively long rule compared to his predecessors. However, his time in office must not have been an easy one for those around him. He was a mean alcoholic and his harem of 5000 concubines must have cost his kingdom quite a sum to house, clothe, and feed.
Modi died in 280 CE. Sima Yan (Ssu-ma Yan), Emperor Wudi, succeeded him as emperor of a new dynasty, the Western Jin dynasty.
