China & TibetAsia

Liang dynasty

502 CE – 557 CE · about 55 years

The Liang dynasty ruled southern China from Jiankang, founded by Xiao Yan (Emperor Wu), a great patron of Buddhism. His long reign was a cultural high point of the Southern dynasties. The Hou Jing rebellion devastated it, and Chen Baxian founded the Chen dynasty in 557.

Key facts

Dates	502 CE – 557 CE
Region	China & Tibet
Continent	Asia
Capitals	Jiankang, Jiangling
Founder	Xiao Yan (Emperor Wu)
Religion(s)	Buddhism
Peak extent	≈ 1.3 million km² (c. 502 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Southern Qi

Followed by

Chen dynasty Northern Qi Western Wei

Sources

Wikipedia – Liang dynasty
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.