Three Kingdoms - Jin - (221 - 265)

Nomadic peoples continued to rule in the North while the deposed Han Chinese aristocracy and land owners relocated to the warmer and more fertile areas of the Yangzi valley further south. This led to the development of dual systems of regional dynasties in both the north and south. Three kingdoms emerged (Wei, Shu Han and Wu). These were united for a short time by Sima Yuan in 280 A.D. a powerful general who took control of Wei and formed the Western Jin dynasty. This was followed by a period called the Sixteen Kingdoms (304-439 A.D.) which was a fragmented period of military commanders from non-Chinese races such as the Xiongnu and Xianbei.

Next dynasty -> Northern Dynasties