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Yang Zhong
One of the twelve great generals of Western Wei, made Duke of Sui under Northern Zhou, and father of Yang Jian, Emperor Wen of Sui
Mural of the event “Establishment of Fubing System”, which this person took part in.
Facing existential military pressure from the economically superior Eastern Wei, Western Wei regent Yuwen Tai needed an elite, low-cost, self-sustaining army.
Also known as Zi Yanyu · Duke of Sui · Emperor Taizu of Sui
- Roles
- Commanders
Yang Zhong, born in 507, had the childhood name Nunu. The Book of Zhou says he got the courtesy name Yanyu, a northern word for a wild beast, after killing one barehanded on a hunt with Yuwen Tai. He claimed to come from Huayin in Hongnong, which historians doubt. One of the twelve great generals of the Western Wei, he was made Duke of Chenliu and, under the Northern Zhou, Duke of Sui. He fought under Dugu Xin and Yuwen Tai and led campaigns against Northern Qi. The Book of Zhou describes him as imposing and unmatched in martial skill. He died in 568. His son Yang Jian founded the Sui and honoured him as Emperor Wuyuan, temple name Taizu.
Life and times
- 507 CEBorn
Northern and Southern - 550Establishment of Fubing System
Took partage 43Integrating military service with agrarian tenancy, creating the formidable military engine of Sui and Tang. - 554Western Wei Sacks Jiangling
age 47A Western Wei army took Jiangling, the capital of Emperor Yuan of Liang, put the surrendered emperor to death and carried much of the city's population off to Chang'an. - 568 CEDied
Family tree
- Direct kin
Yang ZhongSon
