The State of Jin (simplified: 晋国, traditional: 晋国, pinyin: Jìn Guó, jyutping: zeon3 gwok3) was a major feudal state during the Zhou dynasty, lasting from 1042 to 376 BCE. Jin was one of the most powerful states of the Spring and Autumn period and was later partitioned into the three states of Han, Zhao, and Wei.
History
Foundation and prominence
Jin emerged as a major power during the Spring and Autumn period, with its territory centred in modern-day Shanxi Province. The state played a central role in the politics of the Central Plains and was one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period under Duke Wen of Jin (晋文公 — Jìn Wén Gōng).
Partition
In 376 BCE, Jin was partitioned among the three noble families of Han, Zhao, and Wei, who had gradually taken control of the state. This partition marked the beginning of the Warring States period and the end of Jin as a unified state.
In Sword of the Yue Maiden
In Sword of the Yue Maiden, the State of Jin is part of the broader political landscape of the Spring and Autumn period. References to Jin help establish the historical context in which the conflict between Wu and Yue took place.
See also
- State of Chu — Another major state of the period
- State of Wu — Rival of Yue
- State of Yue — Rival of Wu
External links
- Jin (Chinese state) on Wikipedia
- 晋国 (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia