China's Three Kingdoms Period (220–280 CE): The Era of Disunion

The Period of Disunion—often synonymous with the Three Kingdoms (三国)—spanned 220–280 CE, between the Eastern Han collapse and Jin reunification.

Three Rival States

• Cao Wei (曹魏) – North, capital Luoyang; founded by Cao Pi.
• Shu Han (蜀漢) – Southwest, capital Chengdu; Liu Bei (claimed Han legitimacy).
• Eastern Wu (東吳) – Southeast, capital Jianye (Nanjing); Sun Quan.

Constant warfare, shifting alliances, legendary figures (Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhou Yu). Cultural flowering: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (later novel), poetry, historiography, technology (wooden ox, repeating crossbow).

Ended 280 CE when Jin conquered Wu. Brief unity preceded the chaotic Sixteen Kingdoms & Northern/Southern Dynasties.