Minyue

Minyue (Chinese: 閩越) was an ancient kingdom in what is now Fujian Province in southern China. It was a contemporary of the Han dynasty, and was later absorbed by the Han as the dynasty expanded southward. Its inhabitants were from diverse ethnic groups including the Baiyue. The state survived roughly from 334 BC to 110 BC.

History

According to the Shiji, the founders were members of the Yue royal family who fled after that state was defeated by Chu and Qi in 334 BC. An ancient stone city located in the inner mountains of Fujian is said to have been the Minyue capital. The nearby tombs show the same funerary tradition as Yue state tombs in Zhejiang Province. Hence, it is concluded that the city was a Minyue center.

Wars with the Han Dynasty and Nanyue

Minyue was partially conquered by the Han Dynasty by the end of the 2nd century BCE during the Han campaigns against the Minyue. However its position (being closed off by mountains) made it almost impossible for the Han Dynasty to establish a strong grip over this area. Minyue was annexed by Nanyue under Zhao Tuo and submitted to Nanyue rule from 183 BC to 135 BC, and was finally conquered by the Han dynasty in 110 BC.