Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

During the first 60 years of the 10th century AD, the political map of China took on almost the appearance of early modern Europe. There were initially ten kingdoms, later eight that might have grown into nation-states, constantly in conflict with each other but sharing the same underlying cultural values. Each of these realms had its own currency, and the rulers -- in mercantilist fashion -- often tried to manipulate interstate trade so as to accumulate reserves of copper, the major monetary metal. During these 60 years, five dynasties followed one anther is rapid succession in the central plain, including one Shatuo Turk ruling house (Later Tang). The borders of the southern states remained fairly stable, although Min was eventually absorbed by Wuyue and the Southern Tang (formerly Wu).