Qi Dynasty Emperor Gaodi
Quick Facts about Emperor Gaodi
- Emperor Gaodi was born in 423 CE.
- His name at birth was Xiao Daocheng.
- His father was Xiao Cheng.
- Gaodi murdered Emperor Shundi of the Liu Song dynasty to become the first emperor of the Qi dynasty in 479 CE.
- Gaodi means “High Emperor”.
Emperor Gaodi was a member of the old and powerful family, Xiao. He was a Buddhist who allowed Buddhist monks at his court.
Emperor Gaodi’s wife was Empress Lu. Upon his death in 482 CE, his son, Wudi, succeeded him as the second emperor of the Qi dynasty. Emperor Gaodi’s tomb is at Danyang, Jiangsu.
Emperor Wudi
Quick Facts about Emperor Wudi
- Emperor Wudi was born in 439 CE.
- His name at birth was Xiao Ze.
- His father was the Qi dynasty emperor, Gaodi.
- After his father, Emporer Gaodi’s death in 482 CE, Xiao Ze became the second emperor of the Qi dynasty in 483 CE.
- Wudi means “Martial Emperor”.
Like his father before him, Emperor Wudi believed in Buddhism. His reign was a peaceful one for the Qi dynasty.
Emperor Wudi’s wife was Empress Pei. Upon his death in 493 CE, his cousin, Mingdi succeeded him as the third emperor of the Qi dynasty. Emperor Wudi’s tomb is at Jinganling, Danyang, Jiangsu.
Emperor Mingdi
Quick Facts about Emperor Mingdi
- Emperor Mingdi was born in 447 CE.
- His name at birth was Xiao Luan.
- His uncle was Emperor Gaodi.
- After his cousin, Emperor Wudi’s death in 493 CE, Xiao Luan became the third emperor of the Qi dynasty in 494 CE.
- Mingdi means “Brilliant Emperor”.
To become emperor the Qi dynasty, Mingdi murdered two of his nephews who were the sons of the second Qi dynasty emperor, Wudi.
Emperor Mingdi had at least one son. Upon his death in 498 CE, his son Dong Hunhou succeeded him as the fourth emperor of the Qi dynasty. Emperor Mingdi’s tomb is at Xinganling, Danyang, Jiangsu.
Emperor Dong Hunhou
Quick Facts about Emperor Dong Hunhou
- Emperor Dong Hunhou was born in about 482 CE.
- His name at birth was Xiao Bao Chuan.
- His father was the Qi dynasty emperor, Mingdi.
- After his father, Emporer Mingdi’s death in 498 CE, Xiao Bao Chuan became the fourth emperor of the Qi dynasty in 499 CE.
- Dong Hunhou means “Marquis of Eastern Fatuousness”.
Emperor Dong Hunhou’s reign was extremely short. He was murdered and his half-brother became emperor of the Qi dynasty.
Upon Emperor Dong Hunhou’s death in 500 CE, his half-brother, Hedi, succeeded him as the fifth emperor of the Qi dynasty.
Emperor Hedi
Quick Facts about Emperor Hedi
- Emperor Hedi was born in about 486 CE.
- His father was the Qi dynasty emperor, Mingdi.
- After his brother, Emporer Dong Hunhou’s death in 500 CE, Hedi became the fifth emperor of the Qi dynasty in 501 CE.
- Hedi means “Harmonious Emperor”.
Emperor Hedi was not the kindest or the most studious emperor southern China had seen. If he didn’t like his tutors, he had them killed. He had members of his family and government officials killed. One of the government officials he had killed was brother to a high-ranking government official. In retaliation for the death of his brother, the government official attacked the capital at Nanjing where 80,000 people died. Emperor Hedi was killed and the Qi dynasty ceased to exist.
Upon Emperor Hedi’s death in 501 CE, Wudi, succeeded him as the first emperor of the Liang dynasty.
