Chen Dynasty

The Chen dynasty, also known as Southern Chen, was a Chinese imperial dynasty and the fourth and last of the Southern Dynasties during the Northern and Southern dynasties period. Founded by Emperor Wu (Chen Baxian) in 557 AD, it succeeded the Liang dynasty. The Chen dynasty strengthened the economy and culture of southern China and expanded its territory northward. It was conquered by the Sui dynasty in 589 AD, which marked the end of the Northern and Southern dynasties period. Descendants of the Chen imperial family continued to hold high-ranking positions in the Sui and Tang imperial courts.