Nanman

Nanman (simplified Chinese: 南蛮; traditional Chinese: 南蠻; pinyin: Nánmán; Wade–Giles: Nan-man; literally: "Southern Barbarians") were aboriginal tribes who lived in southwestern China. They may have been related to the Sanmiao, dated to around the 3rd century BC. The Nanman were multiple ethnic groups including the Zhuang, the Tai, and some non-Chinese Tibetan-speaking groups such as the Bai people. There was never a single polity that united these people.

The Book of Rites details ancient stereotypes about the Si Yi "Four Barbarians" surrounding China.

During the Three Kingdoms period, the state of Shu Han ruled over Southwest China. After the death of Shu Han's founder, Liu Bei, the tribesmen of the region rebelled against Shu Han's rule. The Shu Han chancellor, Zhuge Liang, led a successful expedition to quell the rebellion.

In the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the rebellious Nanman tribes are depicted as an alliance under the leadership of Meng Huo. Meng Huo is said to have submitted to the rule of Shu Han after being captured and released no fewer than seven times by Zhuge Liang. This story has been adapted into many other works of fiction over the centuries, as well as video games based on the era.