LIU YAN

died 310, China Pinyin Liu Yuan Hsiung-nu invader who took the title of king of Han in 304. Liu's invasion is seen as the start of the barbarian inundation of China that continued until 589. Liu was the ruler of the Hsiung-nu people of northern Shansi Province. He entered China at the request of one of the princes of the Western Chin dynasty (265316), who was engaged in a civil war known as the Revolt of the Eight Kings. Conquering much of northern Shansi, Liu proclaimed himself the emperor of a new Han dynasty. Liu's dynasty, renamed the Chao by his son and successor, was overthrown in 329.