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]
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.
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.