Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei

Reign: 471 – 499
Life: 467–499

The implementation of the equal-field system was largely due to the court's desire to break the economic power of local magnates who sheltered residents under their control living in fortified villages. Under this system, all land was owned by the state, and then equally distributed to taxpaying farmers. This system successfully created a stable fiscal infrastructure and a basis for universal military conscription for the Northern Wei, and continued well into the Tang dynasty. The equal-field program was coupled with another initiative, the "Three Elders" system, aimed at compiling accurate population registers so that land could be distributed accordingly.

During Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei's reign, Clovis I ruled France, Ariadne ruled Rome, and Pope Simplicius ruled Papacy.

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China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

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