Zheng clan of Xingyang
| Zheng 鄭 | |
|---|---|
| Clan | |
| Place of origin | Xingyang county |
| Founded | Western Han (c. 100s BC) |
| Founder | Zheng Dangshi |
| Titles | Various |
| Dissolution | Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (c. 900s AD) |
The Zheng clan of Xingyang (simplified Chinese: 荥阳郑氏; traditional Chinese: 滎陽鄭氏) 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]
History
[edit]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][1] The clan was first established in Xingyang county by Zheng Dangshi, son of Zheng Jun, a general who served under Xiang Yu.
Northern and Southern dynasties
[edit]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.[4]
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.
Prominent members
[edit]- Zheng Congdang (d. 887), Tang chancellor
- Zheng Lang (d. 857), Tang chancellor
- Zheng Yuqing (746–820), Tang chancellor
- Zheng Xunyu (738–805), Tang chancellor
- Zheng Tan (d. 842), Tang chancellor
- Zheng Yanchang (d. 894), Tang chancellor
- Zheng Tian (825–883), Tang chancellor and military commander who defeated Huang Chao
References
[edit]- ^ a b Xu, Boyong (1994). "荣阳郑氏家族散论". Doctoral dissertation.
- ^ Zhang, Weidong (2007). "略谈唐代荥阳郑氏的兴衰". Doctoral dissertation.
- ^ Ouyang, Xiu. New Book of Tang.
- ^ a b Kong, Xiangjun; Li, Zhuping (2010). "荥阳郑氏与北魏政治". 兰台世界. 3.