Emperor Zhaowu of Han Zhao (died 31 August 318 CE), born Liu Cong, was the Emperor of Han Zhao from 28 September 310 to 31 August 318, succeeding Emperor Guangwen of Han Zhao and preceding Emperor Yin of Han Zhao.
Biography[]
Liu Cong was the son of Liu Yuan, the founder of the Xiongnu state of Han Zhao in 304 as Emperor Guangwen of Han Zhao. Liu Cong served his father as Prince of Chu after the declaration of Han Zhao in 304, but he was defeated at Luoyang by Jin dynasty general Huan Yan in his first attack and Sima Yue in the second attack.
In 310, he succeeded his father after he fell ill and died, having won a succession war against other members of the Liu family. Liu Cong, now known as "Emperor Zhaowu", renewed attacks on Luoyang and forced Sima Yue to abandon it in 311 before he was killed by his own men. Zhaowu became a cruel leader in 312 CE when he executed a prince for failing to deliver crabs and fish to his palace and another prince for failing to complete two palaces on time. Zhaowu was known for his cruelty against his subjects, and in 313 he poisoned the former Emperor Huai of Jin (the Duke of Kuaiji), and in 318 he would go on to have Emperor Min of Jin executed.
In 316, Han Zhao conquered Chengdu, forcing Western Jin to move the capital to Jiankang, beginning the Eastern Jin period. Zhaowu died in 318 after a fire in Pingyang killed his son, falling ill due to depression and dying. His general Shi Le later seceded from Hao Zhao and became Emperor Ming of Later Zhao, forming the Later Zhao state, while his son became Emperor Yin of Han Zhao.