Cao Wei

Wei (Chinese: 魏), also known as Cao Wei (曹魏) or Former Wei, was one of the major dynastic states in China during the Three Kingdoms period. The state was established in 220 AD by Cao Pi based upon the foundations laid by his father Cao Cao during the end of the Han dynasty. Its capital was initially located at Xuchang, and was later moved to Luoyang. The name Wei first became associated with Cao Cao when he was named the Duke of Wei by the Eastern Han government in 213 AD, and became the name of the state when Cao Pi proclaimed himself emperor in 220 AD. Historians often add the prefix "Cao" to distinguish it from other Chinese states known as Wei. The authority of the ruling Cao family dramatically weakened following the deposition and execution of Cao Shuang, a regent for the dynasty's third emperor Cao Fang in 249 AD. Following Cao Shuang's death, another regent, Sima Yi, gradually consolidated state authority for himself and his relatives, with the last Wei emperors largely being puppets of the Sima family. In 266 AD, Sima Yi's grandson Sima Yan forced Emperor Yuan to abdicate, proclaiming himself to be emperor of the newly established Jin dynasty; he would be posthumously known as Emperor Wu (of Jin).