Southern Territories of Ancient China

During the Han Dynasty, the southern territories of ancient China were marked by a rich tapestry of landscapes, communities, and cultural exchanges that defined the era. From the fertile plains to the rugged mountains, each region had its unique charm and strategic importance in the empire’s grand scheme.

One of the prominent regions during this era was the Dayang Prefecture, formerly known as Xiang Prefecture. Established in the sixth year of Emperor Wu’s reign, it spanned an impressive 3,180 miles and was a pivotal part of the Jiaozhou province. Its population numbered 54,460 households and 69,485 individuals, spread across five counties: Zhuwu, Bijing, Lurong, Xijuan, and Shuiruhe. Notable for its abundance of bamboo, which was harvested for various purposes including the making of sturdy staffs, Dayang Prefecture was a thriving hub of agriculture and craftsmanship.

Further north, Zhao Prefecture, once part of the Qin-era Handan Prefecture, underwent several changes before being reinstated as Zhao Prefecture during the reign of Emperor Jing. Located in the Jizhou province, Zhao Prefecture boasted a population of 84,202 households and 349,952 people across its four counties: Handan, Dushan, Niushou, and Baqu. The region was famed for its strategic geographical features such as the Dushan Mountains and the Niu Shou River, which flowed eastward into the Baiqu River.

Moving westward, Xiang Prefecture, known historically as Xingguo Prefecture, was originally the Xingguo Kingdom before being incorporated into the Han Empire. Situated at the foot of the Xishan Mountains, it was irrigated by several rivers including the Qu River and the Liao River. Additionally, the region was intersected by the Liao River and Feng River, both of which flowed eastward into Chaoping. Initially established as Pinggan Kingdom during Emperor Wu’s reign, it was reinstated as Xiang Prefecture during Emperor Xuan’s time. With a population of 27,984 households and 198,558 individuals, Xiang Prefecture was subdivided into sixteen counties: Guangping, Zhang, Chaoping, Nanhe, and Liejia, among others.

Further south lay the Changshan Prefecture, founded during Emperor Wu’s fourth year, encompassing a population of 37,126 households and 178,616 people. The prefecture consisted of four counties: Zhending, Dongyuan, and Xiaozhong, with the Gao Shui River originating from the Xishui Mountains and flowing northeast into Renjing. Additionally, the region was fed by the Liao River and Feng River, both of which meandered eastward into Chaoping.

The southernmost region was the Hengyang Prefecture, previously known as the Xingguo Prefecture before being incorporated into the Han Empire. Located at the base of the Xishan Mountains, it was irrigated by the Qu River and the Liao River. Additionally, the region was intersected by the Liao River and Feng River, both of which flowed eastward into Chaoping. Initially established as Pinggan Kingdom during Emperor Wu’s reign, it was reinstated as Hengyang Prefecture during Emperor Xuan’s time. With a population of 27,984 households and 198,558 individuals, Hengyang Prefecture was subdivided into sixteen counties: Guangping