Wanyan Liang

MedievalEmperorJin dynasty1122 — 1161

Usurper who moved the capital south, killed by his men.

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Quick Facts

Born

1122

Died

1161

Country

Jin dynasty

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)68

Political (20%)41

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)44

Leadership (15%)48

Strategy (15%)50

Total Score49.1

Wanyan Liang — Complete Timeline

1150 AD

Usurped the thronePolitical Action◆ Major

Wanyan Liang assassinated his cousin Emperor Wanyan Dan and declared himself emperor. He purged many members of the imperial clan and their supporters to consolidate his rule, establishing a reign of terror.

UsurpationAssassinationPurge

Impact: nationaldestructive

1153 AD

Moved the capital to ZhongduPolitical Action◆ Major

Wanyan Liang ordered the relocation of the Jin capital from Shangjing (Harbin) to Zhongdu (Beijing). He constructed a new palace complex and moved the imperial court south to better control the conquered Chinese territories.

Capital moveZhongduBeijing

Impact: nationalconstructive

1161 AD

Invasion of the Southern SongWar◆ Major

Wanyan Liang launched a massive invasion of the Southern Song dynasty with a large army and navy. The campaign failed after the Jin fleet was defeated at the Battle of Caishi on the Yangtze River.

InvasionSong-Jin warBattle of Caishi

Impact: regionaldestructive

Killed by his own officersWar◆ Major

After the failure of the Southern Song invasion, Wanyan Liang's own generals mutinied and assassinated him at his camp. His death ended the war and led to a reversal of his policies by his successor Wanyan Yong.

AssassinationMutinyEnd of reign

Impact: nationaltragic