Zheng | |
Native Name: | 鄭 |
Native Name Lang: | Chinese |
Type: | Clan |
Founder: | Zheng Dangshi |
Origin: | Xingyang county |
Founded: | Western Han |
Dissolution: | Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period |
Titles: | Various |
The Zheng clan of Xingyang was a prominent Chinese clan, chiefly based around Xingyang county (modern day Kaifeng, Henan). Tracing their origins to the rulers of the State of Zheng,[1] they became highly prominent in government during the Northern and Southern dynasties, where they became one of the "Four Clans" in Northern Wei, and also during the Tang dynasty.[2]
The Zheng clan of Xingyang traces its descent to the fall of the State of Zheng to the State of Han in 375 BC.[3] The clan was first established in Xingyang county by, son of, a general who served under Xiang Yu.
The Zheng clan first became prominent in the Northern and Southern dynasties period as officials in Northern Wei, beginning with Zheng Xi (426–492).[4] Throughout the period, they engaged in intermarriage with other major clans, as well as with the ruling Tuoba clan.
Alongside the Cui clan of Boling, the Lu clan of Fanyang and the Wang clan of Taiyuan, the Zhengs were one of the "Four Surnames" of Northern Wei.