Li Siyuan

Reign: 926 – 933
Life: 867–933

He was an ethnic Shatuo originally named, in the Shatuo language, Miaojilie (邈佶烈). Adopted by the ethnic Shatuo ruler Li Keyong of the Former Jin dynasty, Li Siyuan became a trusted general under both Li Keyong and Li Keyong's successor Li Cunxu (Emperor Zhuangzong), the Later Tang founder. In 926 he seized power by a coup d'état when a mutiny called the Xingjiao Gate Incident killed Li Cunxu, and ruled with both discipline and compassion for the next seven years. Despite an abundance of natural disasters, his reign was markedly more peaceful than the half-century preceding it.

During Li Siyuan's reign, Constantine II of Scotland ruled Scotland, Constantine VII ruled Rome, and Æthelstan ruled England.

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China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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