Liang Dynasty:
Years of Rule: 502-557 CE (55 years)
The Liang Dynasty is third in a group of dynasties referred to as the Southern Dynasties. It was founded by Xiao Yan (later known as Emperor Wu) in 502 CE. One thing that was unique about the founding of the Liang Dynasty was that it's founder was a devout buddhist. Emperor Wu used many of the buddhist principles when ruling the nation, so the government was set up to benefit the common people, not just the privileged. Emperor Wu loved buddhism so much that during the Liang Dynasty Buddhists and Taoists were exempt from taxes. Due to this factor over half of the population became monks and this ended up hurting the Liang Dynasty in the long run. After years of turmoil and war that were accompanied by changes in power, Chen Baxian gained control of the thrown and created the Chen Dynasty.
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