Northern Wei

Northern Wei was an empire in North China (East Asia) that lasted from 386 to 535 CE, about 149 years. Its people spoke Mongolic languages (Mongol, Khitan, Oirat).

The Tuoba Xianbei dynasty that reunited north China in 439. It carved the Buddhist caves of Yungang and Longmen, and Emperor Xiaowen moved the court to Luoyang and adopted Chinese dress and names.

See Northern Wei on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: 386 to 535 CE
Duration: 149 years
Type: Empire
Region: North China, East Asia
Language family: Mongolic
Capital: Pingcheng, later Luoyang

Became

Eastern Wei 534 to 550 CE
Western Wei 535 to 557 CE

Neighbours in East Asia

Silla 57 BCE to 668 CE
Goguryeo 37 BCE to 668 CE
Baekje 18 BCE to 660 CE
Kofun period c. 250 to 538 CE
Eastern Jin 317 to 420 CE
Zhangzhung c. 500 BCE to 644 CE
Buyeo c. 200 BCE to 494 CE
Gaya confederacy c. 42 to 562 CE
Tuyuhun c. 285 to 670 CE
Liu Song dynasty 420 to 479 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
Moche (Mochica) c. 100 to 800 CE, South America
Teotihuacan c. 100 BCE to 550 CE, Mesoamerica and Caribbean
Tiwanaku c. 400 to 1000 CE, South America
Sasanian Empire 224 to 651 CE, Middle East
Roman Empire 27 BCE to 395 CE, Europe
Gupta Empire c. 320 to 550 CE, South Asia

Questions

When did Northern Wei exist?

386 to 535 CE, about 149 years.

Where was Northern Wei?

North China, in East Asia. Its capital was Pingcheng, later Luoyang.

What language did Northern Wei speak?

Mongolic. This family includes Mongol, Khitan, Oirat.

What came after Northern Wei?

Eastern Wei and Western Wei.