Yao Chang

Yao Chang (姚萇) (330 – 394), courtesy name Jinglüe (景略), was the founding emperor of the Later Qin dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was a member of the Di ethnic group.

Yao Chang was initially a general under his uncle Yao Yizhong, a prominent Di chieftain who pledged allegiance to the Jin dynasty. After Yao Yizhong's death, Yao Chang continued to serve Jin until tensions rose and he rebelled. Following his defeat by Jin forces, Yao Chang fled to the service of Fu Jian, the emperor of the Former Qin dynasty. He served Fu Jian well in many campaigns and gained a significant amount of power.

However, following the Former Qin's disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fei River in 383, Yao Chang betrayed Fu Jian. He captured and executed Fu Jian in 385, subsequently declaring himself emperor and establishing the Later Qin dynasty.

Yao Chang ruled until his death in 394, during which time he consolidated his power in the Guanzhong region (modern-day Shaanxi province). His reign was marked by ongoing warfare with other Sixteen Kingdoms states, particularly the Western Qin and the Eastern Jin. Despite the constant conflicts, Yao Chang laid the foundation for a relatively stable, albeit short-lived, dynasty. He was succeeded by his son, Yao Xing.