Emperor Shenzong of Western Xia | |
Birth Date: | 1163 |
Burial Place: | Unknown, possibly the No. 161 attendant tomb of Western Xia mausoleums[1] |
Succession: | Emperor of the Western Xia dynasty |
Reign: | 1211–1223 |
Predecessor: | Emperor Xiangzong |
Successor: | Emperor Xianzong |
Full Name: | Weiming Zunxu (嵬名遵頊)[2] Li Zunxu (李遵頊) |
Temple Name: | Shenzong (神宗) |
Posthumous Name: | Emperor Yingwen (英文皇帝) |
Succession1: | Retired Emperor of the Western Xia dynasty |
Reign1: | 1223–1226 |
Era Name: | Guangding (光定,) |
Era Dates: | 1211–1223 |
Emperor Shenzong of Western Xia (1163–1226), born Li Zunxu, was the eighth emperor of the Tangut-led Chinese Western Xia dynasty.[3] He ruled from 1211 to 1223.
Shenzong took power after a coup d'état and continued Xiangzong's policy of invading Jin Empire. He started many campaigns against Jin before the Jin Emperor counterattacked, killing many Western Xia soldiers. However, Shenzong continued to attack Jin despite the poor economy, causing high discontent among his people complaining of high taxes. He did not listen to those who advised peace with Jin Empire, and Western Xia sped up its decline. He passed power onto his son Lǐ Déwàng in 1223, and died in 1226.
Father: Prince Zhongwu of Qi (齊國忠武王)