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]
| 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) |
History
editThe 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
editThe 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.