PURITAN NEWS WEEKLY

www.puritans.net/news/

11/19/04

 

 

TRACING CHINA’S HISTORY BACK TO NOAH

 

By Parnell McCarter

 

 

The internet has opened up many opportunities for studying China’s history, and even tracing it back to Noah.  This article explores some of the excellent information and resources now available.

 

To begin, it is necessary to understand Chinese naming conventions.   In Chinese, a name is made up of a family name (surname), which is written first, and then the personal name. Family names are usually of one character each, although there are exceptions like Ouyong and Situ. There are over 6,000 Chinese surnames for about 1 billion people.   Chinese who have the same surname have much more loyalty to someone else who has the same surname than Americans with the same surname have.

 

In mainland China the top five family names are Chen, Li, Zhang, He, and Huang.  The Li surname has a long history which goes back to a specific person named Emperor Zhuanzu who was the first Li and lived before 2000 B.C. This is according to the Xing Zuan, the Chinese dictionary of surnames. The Li family has a long history in China with many stories. During the Tang Dynasty about 15 different surnames were given the honor of having the Li surname. Li Yuan was the founder of the Tang Dynasty which lasted from 618 to 906 A.D. His son who ruled after him was Li Shimin. In their dynasty, printing and paper money were introduced to China.

Further information about Chinese names comes by way of the Message Board URL http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/mbexec/msg/5538/iRC.2ACE/541.1 :

”… If anyone is interested in family genealogy for descendants of China's Chou Dynasty, one source of information in my family's genealogy homepage at http://www.geocities.com/zhouclan/chia_pu.html. The Chou Dynasty is China's current Imperial family, which resides abroad, outside of China, in Hawaii, in the United States of America. The Chou Dynasty in Hawaii currently consist of approximately 70% of the main prince lineages of the Ch'ing Dynasty and 40-60% of the main lineages of the Ming Dynasty. All of these people have lived in America (Hawaii), now, for three generations or more and are loyal American citizens, holding a belief in democracy and Christianity. If you can not e-mail me, you can write by postal letter to: Chou Dynasty, P.O. Box 4604, Honolulu, Hawaii 96812. Send me your e-mail address for a return reply… I am a descendant of many of China's great families and I am related to many famous lineages of China. If anyone is doing any serious history or genealogy research on these people or families, I would like to help or get involved. You may write to me by postal mail. Their names are given below:

Chou Dynasty and related family surnames of Chow (Chou, Zhou), Lum (Lin), Chang (Cheng), Goo (Ku), Wu (Wo, Woo), Ing (Ng), Ching (Cheng), Ho, Chiang, Mau (Mao), Choy (Tsai), Sun, Yap (Yip, Ye, Yeh), Wong (Wang), Lai, Kee (Ke), Kwock (Kwok, Kok, Kuo, Guo, Kop), Lau (Liu), Loui (Lui), Dang (Teng, Tang, Deng, Dung), Siu (Hsiu, Hsiao) and Young (Yang, Yong). Also, included: Chock (Cheuk, Cho), Tom (Tan, Tam) and Aisin-Gioro.

…The Chou lineage, which I am from are descendants of the migration to Taiyuan (around 300 BC) and Hsienbei ancestry (Northern Dynasties of the Tuoba clan 386 BC to 600 BC). My lineage can be traced to The Chou Dynasty, Northern Chou Dynasty, and Later Chou Dynasty.

I am part-Mongolian, part-Manchurian, but mostly Chinese. My Mongolian lineage can be traced back to Tamucin. I am a 28th generation descendant wanting to meet and contact family members around the world or people interested and/or doing research on the Mongolian history and genealogy. I am a 6th generation descendant of Tao Kuang (Min Ning) and second-cousin to China's late Premier Zhou Enlai. By marriage-ties created by Chou P'an Lung, I am a second-cousin to the late Sun Yat-sen and the late Chiang Kai-shek.

Lester D.K. Chow
P.O. Box 4604
Honolulu, Hawaii 96812”

So Lester Chow’s historical research is mainly found at http://www.geocities.com/zhouclan/chia_pu.html .   And those engaging in historical research of China may want to begin there.

But there are other sites with information as well.  For example, here is information Lester Chow posted regarding the origin of various Chinese surnames:

“Origin of Various Surnames,
by Lester D. K. Chow.

When researching the origin of Chinese family surnames,
we accept, in a general sense, the old 100 surname chart
of Emperor Huang Di. Some families, though, have their
own specific origin, which comes from a time prior to
China's early history.

A good example of this is the original Chou Dynasty
(1122 BC - 249 BC). The following surnames come from
the Chou Dynasty and represents the families of various
Chou Dynasty Kings and Princes: Chow (Chou, Zhou, Jou),
Lum (Lin), Chang (Cheng), Goo (Ku), Wu (Wo, Woo), Ing
(Ng), Ching (Cheng), Ho, Chiang, Mau (Mao), Choy (Tsai),
Sun, Yap (Yip, Ye, Yeh), Wong (Wang), Lai, Kee (Ke),
Kwock (Kwok, Kok, Kuo, Guo, Kop), Lau (Liu), Loui (Lui),
Dang (Teng, Tang, Deng, Dung, Thien), Siu (Hsiu, Hsiao)
and Young (Yang, Yong). Also, included with the Chou
Dynasty surnames, above, are: Chock (Cheuk, Cho) and Tom
(Tan, Tam).

So, if your surname is any of the above, you are a
descendant of China's Imperial Chou Dynasty. Family
genealogy can be found at our site…   The Chou Clansmen Association Homepage .”

And here was a question posed to Lester Chow, and his response:
 

“> Hello Lester Chow, Your Genealogy of Mankind is fascinating.  In the Genealogy, you present the Yellow Emperor  (the  man held to be one of the two progenitors of the Han  Chinese race)

The Yellow Emperor is the progenitor of the Han-Chinese race. He is not one of two, he is "the" progenitor. It is the Chou clan people, according to history, and the Chi family (includes the Chow) that have
influenced and directed the "rivers (rivers of mankind in what is called China, today)" so as to direct Ham's (Han) ancient civilization, out from under Put and out from under Magog. It is the Chou
and the Chi that have done this and have shaped (re-shaped) China's entire civilization!

Hou Chi, family and friends, were only factors in shaping China's entire civilization. Please re-read my site as you will find new meaning, now, with my explanation.  Huang Di may not have been the smartest, nor wisest, being a descendant of Ham in Nimrod's camp. It is the Chou and Chi that really shaped China as my work brings this out.

HAM ( see Han; see Xian)

HAN (,,,, see Hahn, Hon; see Ham, Hom)

 

…The genealogy text is a record, an accurate record of the Chou clan history, so this should be preserved by members of the Chou clan. Do you think they are worthy or caring enough to
devote their time and resources to doing this? Symbols of the past are important and past history should be preserved. The past teaches us lessons, that is why the Chou clan fathers recorded their history and genealogy, done from ancient times like I have done on my above-mentioned homepage. Can you guess how many in my own family are interested in preserving this kind of thing? How many are really worthy...

> In the Genealogy, you present the Yellow Emperor  (the  man held to be one of the two progenitors of the Han  Chinese race) to be one of the sons of Put. This is  very interesting because the man Put was mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 10:6) as the son of Ham, the son of  Noah. If the Yellow Emperor was truly the son of Put like you claim, then most Chinese clans would be able to trace there lineage up to Adam! I think all Chinese clan associations will be interested.

Being a descendant of Put, may not be a complimentary thing. If one was to find out that their lot is an evil one, one would reject that info as not being true. It is always best to face truth as truth makes better persons. By realizing our past flaws and failings (the same said of our ancestors), we can chart a better, more productive, and upright path for the future. This is the message that I bring, not a
doom and gloom  one.  I think my genealogy text says that Huang Di is the eleventh son of Put.  … Understanding past history is important, because it allows us to understand ourselves...”

Here is an excerpt from the website http://www.b17.com/family/lwp/people/chinese.html :

 

Chinese Rulers and Emperors

In History, Mythology, and Folklore

 

 

“Early Chinese history is derived from archaeological evidence and (with due caution) later legend.  More systematic history begins with the Shang and particularly the Zhou dynasties.  This early political period, vital in Chinese cultural development, ends in 221 B.C.E. with the establishment of a more powerful state.” [1]

 

“Chinese emperors had many names – a family name, reign titles, and a temple name as well as a multitude of honorary titles.  The first Ming emperor, for example, was born Zhu Yuanzhang (Zhu was his family name).  When he declared himself emperor he took the reign title Hongwu (‘Vast Military Power’) and was known after his death by his temple name, Taizu (‘Surpreme Progenitor’).  Strictly speaking the reign title refers to a number of years and the correct usage is therefore ‘emperor of the Hongwu period’.  Ming and Qing emperors kept one reign title throughout their reign but many earlier emperors changed them to mark an auspicious event or the start of a new era and years were then dated from the start of such reign eras rather than from the emperor’s date of accession.” [2]

 

“The exact regulations governing the ranks of women in the imperial household varied.  A girl entered the palace as a concubine; if she became an imperial favourite, she was promoted to consort; if the emperor married her, she became empress.  Any concubine whose son became emperor became empress on her son’s accession (this frequently occurred posthumously).” [2]

 

 

 

 

 

Descent of Shang Dynasty Rulers from Adam and Eve

As Reckoned by Lester D. K. Chow [3]

 

 

 

Old Testament

Descendants

4026 – 3096 B.C.

Adam

(Earthling man, mankind)

3896 – 2984 B.C.

Seth

(Appointed, substituded)

905

Enosh

(Enos = man)

910

Kenan

(Possession)

895

Mahalalel

(Praise of God, or God shines forth)

3566 – 2604 B.C.

Jared

(Descent)

365

Enoch

(Initiated, or dedicated)

3229 – 2370 B.C.

Methuselah

(Man of the dart/light spear)

3152 – 2375 B.C.

Lamech

(A strong youth)

2970 – 2020 B.C.

Noah

(Rest, or consolation)

2468

Shem

(Renown)

2368

Arpachshad

(Ability)

2333

Shelah

(Established + place)

2303

Eber

(Be high gift from God)

2267

Joktan

(Tribe to sustain)

2206

Jobab

(Jehovah to hold)

Shang Dynasty

Descendants

1767 – 1121 B.C.

 

Tang | T’ien I | Ch’eng T’ang

(To rest on Harmony)

 

Ta Ting

“Great Authority”

 

Ta Chia

“Great Family/kindred”

 

Ta Keng | T’ai Keng Hsiao | Keng Pien

“Great Change”

 

Ta Mou | T’ai Mou | Chung Tsung

“To Say”

 

Chung Ting

“Center Authority”

 

Tsu I

“My Ancestors”

 

Tsu Hsin

“Ancestral Faith”

 

Tsu Ting

“Ancestral Authority”

 

Hsiao I

“Filial Am I”

 

Wu Ting | Wo Ting | Kao Tsung

“Military Authority”

 

Tsu Chia

“Ancestral Family

 

K’ang Ting | Keng Ting

‘Peace/Repose Authority”

r. 1123 B.C.

Wu I | Wu Tsu

“Subject to Me”

 

Wen-Wu Ting | T’ai Ting

“Shen’s Authority”

 

Fu I | Ti I | I

“First Father”

 

His Wen | Ti Hsin | Djou

“Succession from Shen”

 

Wu Keng

“To Awaken Change”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hsia | Xia Dynasty

 

 

 

 

 

As  Reckoned  by

Obsidian [5]

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

 

 

Yu

fl. 2100-2055

Xia Yu Di

2205 – 2197 BC

 

 

Ch'I

fl. 2055-2016

Xia Qi

(2,197 – 2188 B.C.)

 

 

Ta K'ang

fl. 2016-1986

Xia Tai Kang

(2,188 – 2,159 B.C.)

 

 

Chung K'ang

fl. 1986-1977

Xia Zhong Kang

(2,159 – 2,146 B.C.)

 

 

Hsiang

fl. 1977-1970 >

Xia Xiang

(2,146 – 2,079 B.C.)

 

 

Shao K'ang

 

Xia Shao Kang

(2,079 – 2,057 B.C.)

 

 

Chu

17 years

Xia Zhu

(2,057 – 2,040 B.C.)

 

 

Feng

26 years

Xia Huai

(2,040 – 2,014 B.C.)

 

 

Huang

 

Xia Man

(2,014 – 1,996 B.C.)

 

 

Hsieh

more than 21 years

Xia Xie

(1,996 – 1,980 B.C.)

 

 

Pu Chiang

69 years

Xia Bu Jiang

(1,980 – 1,921 B.C.)

 

 

Chiung

21 years

Xia Pian

(1,921 – 1,900 B.C.)

 

 

Chin

20 years

Xia Li

(1,900 – 1,879 B.C.)

 

 

K'ung Chia

 

Xia Kung Jia

(1,879 – 1,848 B.C.)

 

 

Kao

3 years

Xia Bo

(1,848 – 1,837 B.C.)

 

 

Fa

 

Xia Fa

(1,837 – 1,818 B.C.)

 

 

Chieh

fl. c. 1600

Xia Jie

(1,818 – 1,783 B.C.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shang Dynasty

 

 

 

As Reckoned by

Obsidian [5]

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

As Reckoned By

K. L. Ross [6]

Ta E

fl. c. 1600

 

 

Pu Ping

 

 

Nan Jen

Shang Tang

(1,783 – 1,753 B.C.)

Ch'êng-t'ang

1523 -

Ta Chia

Shang Tai Jia

(1,753 – 1,720 B.C.)

T'ai-chia

Tsu Ting

Shang Wo Ding

1,720 – 1,691 B.C.)

Wu-ling

Ta Keng

Shang Tai Kang

(1,691 – 1,666 B.C.)

T'ai-kêng

Hsiao Chia

Shang Xiao Jia

(1,666 – 1,649 B.C.)

Hsiao-chia

Yung Chi

Shang Yong Ji

(1,649 – 1,637 B.C.)

Yung-chi

Ta Mou

Shang Tai Wu

(1,637 – 1,562 B.C.)

T'ai-wu

Chung Ting

Shang Zhong Ding

(1,562 – 1,549 B.C.)

Chung-ting

Pu Jen

Shang Wai Ren

(1,549 – 1,534 B.C.)

Wai-jên

Chia

Shang He Tan Jia

(1,534 – 1,525 B.C.)

Tsien-chia

Tsu E

Shang Zu Yi

(1,525 – 1,506 B.C.)

Tsu-yi

Tsu Hsin

Shang Zu Xing

(1,506 – 1,490 B.C.)

Tsu-hsin

Ch'iang Chia

Shang Wo Jia

(1,490 – 1,465 B.C.)

Ch'iang-chia

Tsu Ting

Shang Zu Ding

(1,465 – 1,433 B.C.)

Tsu-ting

Nan Keng

Shang Nan Geng

(1,433 – 1,408 B.C.)

Nan-kêng

Chia

Shang Yang Jia

(1,408 – 1,401 B.C.)

Hu-chia

Pan Keng

c. 1325- ?

Shang Pan Kang

(1,401 – 1372 B.C.)

P'an-kêng

Hsiao Hsin

 

Shang Xiao Xing

(1,372 – 1,352 B.C.)

Hsiao-hsin

Hsiao E

? -c. 1230

Shang Xiao Yi

(1,352 – 1,324 B.C.)

Hsiao-yi

Wu Ting

c. 1230-c. 1171

Shang Wu Ding

(1,324 – 1,265 B.C.)

Wu-ting

Tsu Keng

c. 1171-c. 1164

Shang Zu Geng

(1,265 – 1,258 B.C.)

Tsu-kêng

Tsu Chia

c. 1164-c. 1131

Shang Zu Jia

(1,258 – 1,235 B.C.)

Tsu-chia

Hsiung Hsin

c. 1131-c. 1127

Shang Bing Xing

(1,235 – 1,219 B.C.)

Lin-hsin

K'ang Ting

c. 1127-c. 1123

Shang Geng Ding

(1,219 – 1,198 B.C.)

K'ang-tin

Wu E

c. 1123-c. 1088

Shang Wu Yi

(1,198 – 1,194 B.C.)

Wu-yi

Wen Wu Ting

c. 1088-c. 1077

Shang Tai Ding

(1,194 – 1,191 B.C.)

Wên-wu-ting

Fu E

c. 1077-c. 1075

Shang Di Yi

(1,191 – 1,154 B.C.)

Ti-yi

Ti Hsin

c. 1075-c. 1050

Shang Zhou

(1,154 – 1,134 B.C.)

Ti-hsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chou | Xi Zhou Dynasty

 

 

 

As Reckoned by

Obsidian [5]

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

As Reckoned By

K. L. Ross [6]

Wu

c. 1050-c. 1047

Zhou Wu Wang

(1,134-1,115 B.C.)

Wu Wang

Ch'eng

c. 1047-c. 1017

Zhou Cheng Wang

(1,115-1,078 B.C.)

Chêng Wang

K'ang

c. 1017-c. 992

Zhou Kang Wang

(1,078 – 1,052 B.C.)

K'ang Wang

Chao

c. 992-c. 973

Zhou Zhao Wang

(1,052 – 1,001 B.C.)

Chao Wang

Mu

c. 973-c. 918

Zhou Mu Wang

(1,001 – 946 B.C.)

Mu Wang

Kung

c. 918-c. 903

Zhou Gong Wang

(946 – 934 B.C.)

Kung Wang

E

c. 903-c. 900

Zhou Yi Wang

(934 – 909 B.C.)

I Wang

Hsiao

c. 900-c. 893

Zhou Xiao Wang

(909 – 894 B.C.)

Hsiao Wang

Yi

c. 893-c. 861

Zhou Yi Wang

(894 – 878 B.C.)

I Wang

Li

c. 861-827

Zhou Li Wang

(878 – 827 B.C.)

Li Wang

878

Hsuan

827-781

Zhou Xuan Wang

(827 – 781 B.C.)

Hsüan Wang

827

Yu

781-c. 772

Zhou You Wang

(781 – 770 B.C.)

Yu Wang

781

From this time on, the structure of Chinese society became increasingly feudalized, as local provinces became increasingly autonomous. Formal recognition of the Chou Emperors was retained, but real power fell more and more into the hands of petty Kingdoms within China.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dong Zhou Dynasty

 

 

 

As Reckoned by

Obsidian [5]

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

As Reckoned By

K. L. Ross [6]

Ping

c. 772-719 with...

Zhou Ping Wang

(770-719 B.C.)

P'ing Wang

770

Hsi Wang

770-760

 

 

Huan

719-696

Zhou Huan Wang

(719 – 696 B.C.)

Huan Wang

719

Chuang

696-681

Zhou Zhuang Wang

(696 – 683 B.C.)

Chuang Wang

696

His

681-675

Zhou Xi Wang

(683 –676 B.C.)

Hsi Wang

681

T'ui

675-673 with...

Zhou Hui Wang

(676 – 651 B.C.)

Hui Wang

676

Hui

675-c. 651

 

 

Hsiang

c. 651-c. 618 with...

Zhou Xian Wang

(651 – 618 B.C.)

Hsiang Wang

651

Shu Tai

636-635

 

 

Ch'ing

c. 618-612

Zhou Qing Wang

(618 – 612 B.C.)

Ch'ing Wang

618

K'uang

612-606

Zhou Kuang Wang

(612 – 606 B.C.)

K'uang Wang

612

Ting

606-585

Zhou Ding Wang

(606 –585 B.C.)

Ting Wang

606

Chien

585-571

Zhou Jian Wang

(585 – 571 B.C.)

Chien Wang

585

Ling

571-544

Zhou Ling Wang

(571 – 544 B.C.)

Ling Wang

571

Ching (I)

544-520

Zhou Jing Wang

(544 – 519 B.C.)

Ching Wang

544

Tao

520

 

 

Ching (II)

519-c. 476

Zhou Jing Wang

(519 – 476 B.C.)

Ching Wang

YuanC

c. 476-c. 469

Zhou Yuan Wang

(476 – 468 B.C.)

Yüan Wang

475

Ting

c. 469-c. 440

Zhou Zhen Ding Wang

(468 – 441 B.C.)

Chêng-ting Wang

468

K'ao

c. 440- ? with...

Zhou Ai Wang

(441 – 441 B.C.)

K'ao Wang

440

Ai

440 and...

 

 

Ssu

440 and...

Zhou Si Wang

(441 – 440 B.C.)

 

Hsi Chou Huan Kung

 

Zhou Kao Wang

(440 – 425 B.C.)

 

Wei Lieh

425- ? with...

Zhou Wei Li Wang

(425 – 401 B.C.)

Wei-lieh Wang

425

Hsi Chou Wei Kung

 

 

 

By this point the Chou monarchy had lost all control over provincial dynasties, and the remaining Chou era is known as the "Warring States" period, as various local states contended for the Mandate of Heaven.

 

 

An

c. 401- ? with...

Zhou An Wang

(401 – 375 B.C.)

An Wang

401

Hsi Chou Hui Kung

 

 

 

Lieh

375-368 with...

Zhou Lie Wang

(375 – 368 B.C.)

Lieh Wang

375

Hsi Chou Wu Kung

? - ? and...

 

 

Tung Chou Hui Kung

367-359 and then...

 

 

Heien

368- ? with...

Zhou Xian Wang

(368 – 320 B.C.)

Hsien Wang

368

Hsi Chou Wen Kung

? -249 (sic) and...

 

 

Tung Chou Wu Kung

359- ? then...

 

 

Shen Ching

320-314

Zhou Shen Ling Wang

(320 – 314 B.C.)

Shên-ching Wang

320

Nan

314-256

Zhou Bao Wang

(314 – 255 B.C.)

Nan Wang

314-256

 

Zhou Hui Wang

(255 – 221 B.C.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chin | Qin | Ch'in Dynasty

 

 

 

 

As Reckoned by

Obsidian [5]

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

As Reckoned By

K. L. Ross [6]

As Reckoned By

A. Paludan [2]

 

 

Chao-hsiang Wang

(302)
255

 

 

 

Hsiao-wên Wang

250

 

 

 

Chuang-hsing Wang

249

 

Shihuangdi (Zheng)

247-210

Qin Shi Huang Di

(246 – 210 B.C.)

Wang Chêng

247

(changes his name to)
Shih-huang-ti/
Shihuangdi

221

Zheng

Qin Shihuangdi

221 BC - 210 BC

Er Shi (Hu Hai)

210-207

Qin Er Shi

(209 – 207 B.C.)

Erh-shih-huang-ti

209

Hu Hai

Er Shi | Ershihuangdi

210 BC - 207 BC

Ziying

207-206

Qin San Shi

(207 – 206 B.C.)

 

Ziying | Sanshihuangdi

207 BC - 207 BC

Reigned 46 days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Western Han | Hàn | Xi Han Dynasty

 

 

 

 

 

As Reckoned by

Obsidian [5]

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

As Reckoned By

K. L. Ross [6]

As Reckoned By

A. Paludan [2]

Gaodi (Liu Bang)

206-195

Han Gao Zu – Liu Bang

(206 – 194 B.C.)

Kao Tsu
Liu Pang

206

Liu Bang | Liu Ji

Gaodi | Gaozu

206 BC - 195 BC

 

Chu Ba Wang

(206 – 202 B.C.)

 

 

Huidi (Liu Ying)

195-188

Han Hui Di

(194 – 187 B.C.)

Hui Ti
Liu Ying

194

Liu Ying

Huidi

195 BC - 188 BC

Shaodi Kong

188-180

with...

Han Lu Hou

(187 – 179 B.C.)

Lu Hou (f)
Lu Chih

regent
187

Lu Zhi | Lu Hou

(Regent for Shaodi Kong and Shaodi Hong)

188 BC - 180 BC

Shaodi Hong

188-180

 

 

 

Wendi (Liu Heng)

180-157

Han Wen Di

(179 – 156 B.C.)

Wên Ti
Liu Heng

179

Liu Heng

Wendi

180 BC - 157 BC

Jingdi (Liu Qi)

157-141

Han Jing Di

(156 – 140 B.C.)

Ching Ti
Liu Ch'I

156

Liu Qi

Jingdi

157 BC - 141 BC

Wudi (Liu Che)

141-87

Han Wu Di

(140 – 86 B.C.)

Wu Ti
Liu Ch'e

140

Liu Che

Wudi

141 BC -  87 BC

Zhaodi (Liu Fuling)

87-74

Han Zhao Di

(86 – 74 B.C.)

Chao Ti
Liu Fu-ling

86

Liu Fuling

Zhaodi

87 BC - 74 BC

Xuandi (Liu Bingyi)

74-49

Han Xuan Di

(74 – 49 B.C.)

Hsüan Ti
Liu Ping-I

73

Liu Bingyi | Liu Xun

Xuandi

74 BC - 49 BC

Yuandi (Liu Shi)

49-33

Han Yuan Di

(49 – 32 B.C.)

Yüan Ti
Liu Shih

48

Liu Shi

Yuandi

 49 BC -  33 BC

Chengdi (Liu Ao)

33-7

Han Cheng Di

(32 – 6 B.C.)

Ch'eng Ti
Liu Ao

32

Liu Ao | Liu Au

Chengdi

 33 BC -   7 BC

Aidi (Liu Xin)

7-1

Han Ai Di

(6 – 0 B.C.)

Ai Ti
Liu Hsin

6 BC

Liu Xin

Aidi

  7 BC -   1 BC

Pingdi (Liu Jizi)

1 BCE-6 CE

Han Ping Di

(0 – 6 A.D.)

P'ing Ti
Liu Chi-tzu

1 AD

Liu Jizi | Liu Kan

Pingdi

  1 BC -   6 AD

Ruzi (Liu Ying)

6-9

 

Ju-tzu
Liu Ying

6

Liu Ying

Ruzi

  7 -   9

 

 

 

Wang Mang

  9 -  23

 

 

 

Note: Wang Mang founded the Xin (‘New’) dynasty, but it is not recognized by official historians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hsin | Xin Dynasty

 

 

 

 

 

As Reckoned By

Yutopian [4]

As Reckoned By

K. L. Ross [6]

 

 

Wang Mang

(? – 23 A.D.)

Wang Mang

9

 

 

Han Wei Yang Wang – Liu Xuan

(23 – 25 A.D.)

Huai-yang Wang

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eastern Han Dynasty
25 - 220

 

 

 

Eastern Han Dynasty
25 - 220

 25 -  57

Liu Xiu | Guang Wudi | Guangwudi

 57 -  75

Liu Yang | Liu Zhuang | Mingdi

 75 -  88

Liu Da | Zhangdi

 88 - 106

Liu Zhao | Hedi

106 - 106

Liu Long | Shangdi

106 - 125

Liu Yu | Liu Hu | Andi

125 - 144

Liu Bao | Shundi

144 - 145

Liu Bing | Chongdi

145 - 146

Liu Zuan | Zhidi

146 - 168

Liu Zhi | Huandi

168 - 189

Liu Hong | Lingdi

189 - 220

Liu Xie | Xiandi

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Three Kingdoms Period
220 - 280

 

 

 

Wei Kingdom
220 - 264

220 - 226

Cao Pi | Wendi

227 - 239

Mingdi

240 - 253

Shaodi

254 - 260

Gao Gui Xiang Gong

260 - 264

Yuandi

Wu Kingdom
222 - 280

222 - 252

Sun Quan | Wu Wudi

252 - 258

Feidi

258 - 264

Jingdi

264 - 280

Modi

Shu Han Kingdom
221 - 263

221 - 223

Liu Bei | Shu Han Xuande | Zhaoliedi

223 - 263

Hou Zhu

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Period of Disunion
265 - 589

 

 

 

Western Jin
265 - 316

265 - 289

Sima Yuan | Sima Yan | Jin Wudi

290 - 306

Sima Zhong | Huidi

307 - 312

Sima Zhi | Huaidi

313 - 316

Sima Ye | Mindi

Eastern Jin
317 - 419

317 - 322

Sima Rui | Yuandi

323 - 325

Sima Shao | Mingdi

326 - 342

Sima Yan | Chengdi

343 - 344

Sima Yue | Kangdi

345 - 361

Sima Dan | Mudi

362 - 365

Sima Pi | Aidi

366 - 370

Sima Yi | Hai Xi Gong | Haixigong

371 - 372

Sima Yu | Jian Wendi | Jianwendi

373 - 396

Sima Yao | Xiao Wudi | Xiaowudi

397 - 418

Sima Dezong | Andi

419 -419

Sima Dewen | Gongdi

Liu Song Dynasty
420 -479


420 - 422

Liu Yu | Song Wudi

423 - 423

Liu Yifu | Ying Yang Wang

424 - 453

Liu Yilong | Wendi

454 - 464

Liu Jun | Xiao Wudi

465 - 472

Liu Yu | Mingdi

473 - 476

Liu Ye | Cang Wu Wang

477 - 479

Liu Jun | Shundi

Qi Dynasty
479 -501

479 - 482

Xiao Daocheng | Qi Gaodi

483 - 493

Xiao Ze | Wudi

494 - 498

Xiao Luan | Mingdi

499 - 500

Xiao Bao Chuan | Dong Hunhou

501 -501

Hedi

Liang Dynasty
502 - 556

502 - 549

Xiao Yan | Liang Wudi

550 - 550

Xiao Gang | Jian Wendi

551 - 551

Yu Zhang Wang

552 - 554

Xiao Yi | Yuandi

555 - 556

Xiao Fangzhi | Jingdi

Chen
557 - 589

557 -559

Chen Baxian | Wudi

560 - 566

Chen Qian | Wendi

567 - 568

Chen Bozong | Lin Hai Wang

569 - 582

Chen Xu | Xuandi

583 - 589

Chen Shubao | Hou Zhu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sui and Tang Dynasties
581 - 907

 

 

 

Sui Dynasty
581 - 618

581 - 604

Yang Jian | Wendi

604 - 617

Yang Guang | Yangdi

617 - 618

Yang Yu | Gongdi

Tang Dynasty
618 - 907

618 - 626

Li Yuan | Gaozu

626 - 649

Li Shimin | Taizong

649 - 683

Li Zhi | Gaozong

684 - 684

Li Zhe | Zhongzong

684 - 690

Li Dan | Ruizong

690 - 705

Wu Zhao | Wu Zetian

705 - 710

Li Zhe | Zhongzong

710 - 712

Li Dan | Ruizong

712 - 756

Li Longji | Xuanzong

756 - 762

Li Yu | Li Heng | Suzong

762 - 779

Li Yu | Daizong

779 - 805

Li Shi | Dezong

805 - 805

Li Song | Shunzong

805 - 820

Li Chun | Xianzong

820 - 824

Li Heng | Muzong

824 - 827

Li Zhan | Jingzong

827 - 840

Li Ang | Wenzong

840 - 846

Li Yan | Wuzong

846 - 859

Li Chen | Li Zhen | Xuanzong

859 - 873

Li Wen | Li Cui | Yizong

873 - 888

Li Yan | Xizong

888 - 904

Li Jie | Li Yi | Zhaozong

904 - 907

Li Zhu | Adi | Zhaoxuan | Aizong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Dynasties Period
907 - 960

 

 

 

Later Liang
907 - 923

907 - 910

Zhu Wen | Liang Taizu

911 - 923

Modi

Later Tang
923 - 935

923 - 926

Tang Zhuangzong

926 - 935

Mingzong

934 - 935

Feidi

Later Jin
936 - 947

936 - 944

Gaozu

944 - 947

Chudi

Later Han
947 - 951

947 - 948

Gaozu

948 - 951

Yindi

Later Zhou
951 - 960

951 - 954

Taizu

954 - 960

Shizong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern and Southern Song
960 - 1279

 

 

 

Northern Song
960 - 1126


960 - 976

Zhao Kuangyin | Taizu

976 - 997

Zhao Guangyi | Zhao Kuangyi | Taizong

998 - 1022

Zhao Dechang | Zhao Heng | Zhenzong

1022 - 1063

Zhao Zhen | Renzong

1064 - 1067

Zhao Shu | Yingzong

1068 - 1085

Zhao Xu | Shenzong

1086 - 1101

Zhao Xu | Zhezong

1101 - 1125

Zhao Ji | Huizong

1126 - 1126

Zhao Huan | Qinzong

Southern Song
1127 - 1279

1127 - 1162

Zhao Gou | Gaozong

1163 - 1190

Zhao Bozong | Zhao Shen | Xiaozong

1190 - 1194

Zhao Dun | Guangzong

1195 - 1224

Zhao Kuo | Ningzong

1225 - 1264

Zhao Yuju | Zhao Tian | Lizong

1265 - 1274

Zhao Mengqi | Zhao Qi | Duzong

1275 - 1275

Zhao Xian | Gongzong | Gongdi

1276 - 1278

Zhao Shi | Duanzong

1279 - 1279

Zhao Bing | Bing Di

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yuan Dynasty

1279 - 1368

 

 

 

Yuan Dynasty
1279 - 1368

1279 - 1294

Khubilai Khan | Shizu

1294 - 1307

Temur Oljeitu | Chengzong

1308 - 1311

Khaishan | Wuzong

1311 - 1320

Ayurbarwada | Ayurbadrabal | Renzong

1321 - 1323

Shidebala | Shoodbal | Yingzong

1323 - 1328

Yesun Temur | Yesuntemur | Taiding |Taidingdi

1328 - 1329

Tugh Temur | Asugbal | Wenzong Tianshundi

1329 - 1329

Tugh Khoshila | Hooshal | Mingzong

1329 - 1332

Tugh Temur | Tugtemur | Wenzong

1333 - 1368

Toghon Temur | Togontemur | Shundi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ming Dynasty

1368 - 1644

 

 

 

Ming Dynasty
1368 - 1644

1368 - 1398

Zhu Yuanzhang | Zhu Yuanzhong | Hongwu | Taizu

1399 -1402

Zhu Yunwen | Jianwen | Huidi

1403 - 1424

Zhu Di | Yongle | Chengzu

1424 - 1425

Zhu Gaozhi | Hongxi | Renzong

1426 - 1435

Zhu Zhanji | Xuande | Xuanzong

1436 - 1449

Zhu Qizhen | Zhengtong | Tianshun | Yingzong

1450 - 1457

Zhu Qiyu | Jingtai | Jengdi

1457 - 1464

Zhu Qizhen | Zhengtong | Tianshun | Yingzong

1465 - 1487

Zhu Jianshen | Zhu Jianji | Zhu Jianru | Chenghua | Xianzong

1488 - 1505

Zhu Yutang | Hongzhi | Xiaozong

1506 - 1521

Zhu Houzhao | Zhengde | Wuzong

1522 - 1567

Zhu Houcong | Zhu Houzong | Jiahing | Shizong

1567 - 1572

Zhu Zaihou | Longqing | Muzong

1573 - 1620

Zhu Yizhun | Zhu Yijun | Wanli | Shenzong

1620 - 1620

Zhu Changle | Zhu Changluo | Taichang | Guangzong

1621 - 1627

Zhu Yujiao | Tianqi | Xizong

1628 - 1644

Zhu Yujian | Chongzhen | Zhongzhen | Sizong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qing Dynasty

1644 - 1911

 

 

 

Qing Dynasty
1644 - 1911

1644 - 1661

Fulin | Shunzhi | Shizu

1661 - 1722

Xuan Ye | Xuanye | Kangxi | Shengzu

1723 - 1735

Yinchen | Yinzhen | Yongzheng | Shizong

1736 - 1795

Hongli | Qianlong | Gaozong

1796 - 1820

Yongyan | Jiajing | Renzong

1821 - 1850

Min Ning | Minning | Daoguang | Xuanzong

1851 - 1861

Yichu | Yizhu | Xianfeng | Wenzong

1862 - 1874

Zaichun | Tongzhi | Muzong

1875 - 1908

Zai Tian | Zaitian | Guangxu | Dezong

1909 - 1911

Aisin Gioro Puyi | Henry Puyi | Xuandi | Xuantong | Xuanzong

 

 

 

[1] Stearns, Peter N., General Editor, The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth Edition, 2001, ISBN 0‑395‑65237‑5.

[2] Paludan, Ann, Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial China, 1998, ISBN 0‑500‑05090‑2.

[3] Chow, Lester D. K., Chou Dynasty, 2001.

[4] Yutopian, Chinese Culture: History, 2000.

[5] Obsidian, Regnal Chronologies: China, 2002.

[6] Ross, Kelley L., Emperors of the Sangoku, The “Three Kingdoms,” of India, China, & Japan, 2001.

 

 

Go to the index for People in History, Mythology, and Folklore

 

 …”

 


Here is information from FAQ: About China's Imperial Family http://lchow.webvis.net/faq :
 
   a) The Chou Dynasty is China's most benevolent and longest lasting 
      dynasty in the history of China (800 years).
 
   b) The descendants of the Chou along with the people of the Chi
      grouping are Shemites, descendants of Shem, as opposed to the Han
      (Hamite, descendants of Ham) people of China.
 
   c) By their ancient paternal lineage, they are an ancient Hebrew tribe
      of people who migrated or were sinocized into the Han-Chinese race.
      They could be classified, today, by their ancient paternal lineage,
      as being Caucasian, Middle Eastern, or Arab.
 
   d) The primary essence of the Chou was the worship of God and obedience
      to God's leanings.  From the Chou Dynasty comes China's knowledge of
      God and Heaven.  In ancient times, people were in darkness and Nimrod
      took his people (Hamites) away from the knowledge of God.  Written
      language ceased to exist and man denigrated into a low and debased
      state of existence.  The Chou Dynasty and Chi grouping of people
      brought back civilization and a godly (organized) form of existence
      to China in the form of an upright feudal state.  From this early
      beginning, all of China's cyclical patterns derive.
 
   e) The Chow clan begins with a man named Jobab (Jo.ab or Jo.bah), who
      was born in 2206 BC, after whom the Chou or Chow Dynasty and clan
      gets its name (Chou is prounced as "Jo").
 
   f) The Chou history, though, according to Chou clan records, goes back
      to the era around 3896-2984 BC and to a time around 1366 BC with the
      founding of their family's dynasty structure.
 
   g) In 1122 BC, the Chou Dynasty begins its formal reign of China.  The
      Chou Dynasty ends in 256 BC giving the Chou Dynasty a reign of 866
      years, the longest in China's history.
 
   h) The Chou (Jo) clan people are originally from the Wei river valley,
      in northern China, which is a valley which resembles their original
      home in the Middle East, an ancient village, later named Hassuna
      (formerly the village of Joktan), which was located across the Tigris
      River, south of Calneh, during the time of Nimrod's rule.  The 
      Chinese word wei's main meaning or root is "terrorize," which is what
      Nimrod did to many ancient cities during his day.
 
   i) The essence of the Chou, therefore, is a godly one, ever since the
      early beginnings of its history, in 3896, until today, the leaders
      of the dynasty and clan, if they are true to their faith, hopefully,
      were good and upright leaders in whatever endeavor they chose to
      undertake.  Virtue, benevolence, and true worship of God is what the
      Chou is all about…”
 

http://rebelynn21.tripod.com/id9.html :

History of Jew Surname

 

 

 

The following is a letter I received from Lester Chow, a leading researcher of the Zhou/Chou/Chow lineage:

 

November 2, 2003

Lester D.K. Chow
P.O. Box 4604
Honolulu, Hawaii 96812
Tel: (808) 538-1855
mailto: lchow@
nospam.lava.net

Rebecca Jew
3131 N. 70th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
mailto:rebelynn@
cox.net

I am writing to say that I like your genealogy homepage.  It certainly looks nice and it has the appearance of being professionally done. That's to your credit.  Good work!  http://rebelynn21.tripod.com/jewroots/id2.html  I am writing to give you an update on our Jew/Chow genealogy sites:

1. The new url for the Chow genealogy site is
http://www.geocities.com/zhouclan/chia_pu.html
2. The Chou Clansmen Association site (http://www.idis.com/ChouOnline) has been taken down and will be relocated to http://chouclansmenassociation.com and http://zhouclansmenassociation.com (our trade names), when we are ready.  We do not have enough members and we are currently experiencing financial problems.  Our Hawaii USA lineage represents the main lineage of the entire Chou Dynasty.

Origin of the Jew surname
When we, Chinese, came to America, our family surname was Romanized in many different ways. In mainland China, because people use Chinese characters in writing, our family name is always the same. Indigenous Han-Chinese people use only one character as their surname, for example surnames like Chow, Chang, Ching, Lum, Wong, and Sung are composed of only one Chinese character.  The correct and generally used Romanization is Chow in Cantonese and Zhou in Pinyin.  Variations have been created in the West, sometimes, to signify a certain lineage or family legacy.  For example, the main lineage of the Chou Dynasty (going back to the following dynasties: Chou Dynasty 1122-256 BC, Northern Chou Dynasty 557-581 AD, Later Chou Dynasty 951-960 AD, and Modern Chou Dynasty 1644-2003 AD), a dynasty family comprised of over 20 Chinese family surnames, goes by the surname of Chow.  A secondary lineage, from the Northern Chou Dynasty, uses Jue as their surname, after their founding branch ancestor.

The proper Romanization of our family name, today, is Chow in Cantonese and Zhou in Mandarin (Pinyin).  We use the Romanization of Chou (Zhou in Pinyin) to signify our dynasty in accord with Chinese custom.  The name Chow (Chow, Zhou, or Chou), pronounced as Jo in the Middle East and China, comes from our family's early Hebrew or Shemite origin in the Fertile Crescent (3896-1900 BC).

We are not Jews.  The Chow clan is an early Hebrew tribe (about 200 years prior to the time of Abram), also called Shemites, descendants of Eber, who resided in Hassuna in Iraq as their village. Every tribe had their own God-given land, where they resided.  Hassuna in Iraq was our family's village (city, hometown).  In 2205 BC Nimrod, an evil and wicked warlord, an opposer to God, took his people and absorbed (sinocized) other people and (took) their lands up and down the Tigris River and throughout the Fertile Crescent.  Asshur, Calah, Nineveh, and Khorsabad are cities, where the descendants of Jobab resided alongside of the descendants of Asshur, that were claimed in the name of Nimrod. 
http://www.geocities.com/zhouclan/genealogy/bible/file.html

Generally, Chinese people with the surname of Jew are descendants of the Chou Dynasty (carrying the "Jo" surname) whose surnames were Romanized as such to honor our family's Hebrew heritage in America.  In 2086 BC or around that time period there lived a man, a descendant of Jobab, named Ju in China.  His name meant to eat greens instead of eating meat, because in days of old God had commanded it.  The Chou clan, being the family in mainland China that brought and held the worship of God in China, throughout history has memorialized Ju.  And so upon our arrival to the United States of America, some family members were called Ju, after one of our founding ancestors.  The name Ju was, somehow, Romanized in a Christian way and the Chinese surname of Jew came
about. 
http://www.geocities.com/zhouclan/chia_pu.html

Other Jew/Chow links:
http://www.pacificnet.net/jue/

http://chouclansmenassociation.com



Copyright (c) Lester
D.K. Chow 1985-2003

 

Copyright information
contained in the above letter.

 

 

 

So the internet provides fertile ground for research in China’s history, even back to the time of Noah.