Huang Chao

Huang Chao (835 – July 13, 884) was a wealthy Chinese salt trader and soldier who is primarily known for instigating the Huang Chao Rebellion. In 878, he proclaimed himself emperor and the establishment of a new Qi dynasty. Huang Chao's rebellion severely weakened and almost defeated the Tang dynasty had he not been betrayed and assassinated by one of his own trusted nephews who had been bribed with money and positions of power by the Tang government.

Huang Chao had worked many years as a salt trader before joining Wang Xianzhi's rebellion against the Tang dynasty in the mid-870s. After splitting with Wang, his army turned south and conquered Guangzhou. In 881, his troops captured the Tang capital Chang'an, forcing Emperor Xizong of Tang to flee. Huang Chao then took the throne and reigned for almost four years, but was eventually defeated in battle by Tang army led by the Shatuo chieftain Li Keyong in 883 and forced to desert and escape Chang'an. Following successive defeats, including to former subordinates Zhu Wen and Shang Rang who had surrendered to Tang, Huang Chao was allegedly killed by his nephew Lin Yan, although the reports are inconclusive. Some other sources state that Huang Chao had escaped to safety with his family, servants, bodyguards and his imperial staff.