Ran Wei (冉魏) 魏
350–352
Ran Wei in 350 AD
Capital	Ye
Government	Monarchy
Emperor
• 350–352	Ran Min
Crown Prince
• 352	Ran Zhi
Historical era	Sixteen Kingdoms
• Established	350
• Ran Min's capture by Former Yan	17 May 352
• Ran Min's death	1 June 352
• Disestablished	8 September 352
Preceded by Succeeded by Later Zhao Former Yan Jin dynasty
Today part of	China

Wei (Chinese: 魏; 350–352), known as Ran Wei (冉魏) in Chinese historiography, was a short-lived state established by Ran Min. In 350, Ran Wei usurped the Later Zhao state in the city of Ye and declared himself emperor of Wei. In 352, Ran Wei was defeated by the Former Yan.

History

Ran Min, a general of Later Zhao, took advantage of a succession crisis after the death of Zhao emperor Shi Hu, and declared himself emperor in 350.^[1]

At the same time, Shi Zhi, Prince Xinxing of Zhao, claimed the throne of Zhao in the city of Xiangguo (襄國). He also sought help from the Former Yan and other states in northern China. Ran Min attacked the city but was initially defeated. However, Shi Zhi was killed by general Liu Xian in 351.^[2]

Ran Min attacked Xiangguo again in 352, this time successfully. In May, Ran Min was defeated and captured by Yan forces led by Murong Ke. In the Yan capital Ji, Ran Min insulted the Yan emperor Murong Jun, claiming that his people were "barbarians and animals" (夷狄禽獸之類). He was subsequently executed.^[2]

Ruler

References