Let's start by talking about Qingzhou. According to the "Tribute of Yu," Qingzhou is in the region of Haidai, and Emperor Shun established twelve administrative regions, with Qingzhou as one of them. Emperor Shun also allowed Qingzhou to extend across the sea and established Yingzhou, so it can be said that Liaodong originally belonged to Qingzhou. The "Rites of Zhou" states: "The east is called Qingzhou." This likely refers to the area's soil, which is less yang and has a greenish hue, hence the name Qingzhou. The "Spring and Autumn Annals of Yuan Mingbao" also states: "Xuwei River is in Qingzhou." Emperor Wu of Han established thirteen states, retaining the old names, which remained until the Jin Dynasty. Qingzhou governs six counties and thirty-seven counties, with a population of fifty-three thousand households.
Next, let's look at a few places below Qingzhou. Qi State, during the Qin Dynasty, was a commandery, became a state during the Han Dynasty, and was later changed to Beihai Commandery during the reign of Emperor Jing, governing five counties with a population of fourteen thousand households. Specifically, there are Linzi, Xi'an, which has a Jili Pavilion, Dong'anping, to the northeast of Dong'anping lies the Nu River, Guangrao, and Changguo, the territory granted to Leyi. Jinan Commandery, established during the Han Dynasty, governs five counties with a population of five thousand households. It is said that after the Wei State pacified Shu Han, the families of the powerful generals were moved to the north bank of the Ji River, leading to the change of Jinan Commandery to Jimin Commandery, but this is not mentioned in the "Taikang Geographic Records," leaving it uncertain. Jinan Commandery includes Pingshou, an ancient country and the territory of Hanzhuo, Xiami, which has San Shi Temple, Jiaodong, a noble estate, Jimo, which has Tianshan Temple, and Zhu'a.
Le'an Country, established by the Han Dynasty, administers eight counties with 11,000 households. It includes Gaoyuan, Linji (with a shrine to Chiyou), Bochang (with a shrine to Bogu), Liyi (Marquisate), Liaocheng (Marquisate), Zou, Shouguang (ancient Zhen Guanshi fief), and Dong Chaoyang. Chengyang Commandery, established by the Han Dynasty, belonged to Beihai Commandery. During the Wei and Jin periods, it was separated from Beihai Commandery and established independently. Chengyang Commandery administers ten counties and has a population of 12,000 households, including Ju (former Ju Kingdom), Gumu (ancient Bogu clan state), Zhu, Chunyu (former Chunyu Gong Kingdom), Dongwu, Gaomi (changed to commandery during the Han Dynasty), Zhuangwu, Qianzou, Pingchang, and Changan. Donglai Country, a commandery established by the Han Dynasty, administers six counties with 6,500 households. It includes Ye (Marquis), Dangli (Marquisate), Luxiang, Qucheng, Huang (home to shrines of Laishan and Songlin Laijun), and Houguo (with a shrine to Bai Zhi Laiwang). Lastly, there is Changguang Commandery, established in the third year of Xianning, administering three counties with 4,500 households, including Buqi (Marquisate), Changguang, and Ting.
In the year 300 AD, during the tenth year of Emperor Hui of the Yuan Kang era, the imperial court established Pingchang Commandery. The court also separated out the eleven counties of Qianzou, Zhuangwu, Chunyu, Changan, Gaomi, Pingchang, Yingling, Anqiu, Da, Ju, and Linqu from Chengyang Commandery and established Gaomi Country.
Starting from the Yongjia period, chaos engulfed the land, and Qingzhou fell into the hands of the Shi clan. Cao Yi of Donglai became the governor of Qingzhou and built Guanggu City, but later he was defeated by Shi Jilong. When Shi Jilong was about to be defeated, Duan Gan of Liaoxi proclaimed himself the King of Qi and seized Qingzhou. Later, Murong Ke defeated Shi Zhao and took over Qingzhou. Fu Jian destroyed Former Yan and took over the territory of Qingzhou. After the fall of the Fu clan, Fu Lang, the governor of Qingzhou, surrendered to the imperial court. The court reestablished Youzhou and appointed Biejia Pili Hun as the governor, stationed at Guanggu City.
In the fourth year of the Long'an era, Guanggu was captured by Murong De, who then made Guanggu the capital of Nan Yan and restored the name Qingzhou. Murong De appointed the Governor of Bingzhou, who was stationed in Yinping, the Inspector of Youzhou, who was based in Fagan, the Inspector of Xuzhou, who was stationed in Jucheng, the Inspector of Qingzhou, who was based in Donglai, and the Inspector of Yanzhou, who was stationed in Liangfu. Later, Murong Chao relocated the administrative center of Qingzhou to Donglai County, but he was eventually defeated by Liu Yu. Liu Yu appointed Yang Mu, the Chief Clerk, as the Inspector of Qingzhou, and established his residence in Dongyang City.
After Emperor Yuan of Jin crossed the Yangtze River and settled in Jiankang, a Qingzhou, referred to as Southern Qingzhou, was established in Guangling. It was not until later that a formal Qingzhou was established in the north, with its administrative center located in Dongyang City. The earlier Southern Qingzhou was subsequently abolished, and the northern Qingzhou came to be simply known as Qingzhou.
Let's first talk about Xuzhou. According to the historical text "Yu Gong," Xuzhou is part of the Hai-Dai region and the Huai River basin; it was one of the twelve commanderies established by Emperor Shun in ancient times. By the time of the Zhou Dynasty, the boundaries of Xuzhou expanded to include the Qingzhou region. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" mentions that "Heavenly Di flows into Xuzhou," probably because Xuzhou is flat, or perhaps due to the presence of Xu Hills. After the Qin Dynasty unified China, the Sishui, Xue, and Langye Commanderies were established in the Xuzhou area. During the Chu-Han War, the Dongyang Commandery was also established. In the Han Dynasty, the Donghai Commandery was created, the Sishui Commandery was renamed Pei Commandery, the Xue Commandery was renamed Lu Commandery, a portion of the Pei Commandery was carved out to establish the Chu Kingdom, and the Dongyang Commandery was assigned to the Wu Kingdom. Under Emperor Jing, the Wu Kingdom was renamed Jiangdu, and under Emperor Wu, parts of the Pei and Dongyang Commanderies were separated to form the Linhuai Commandery, while the Jiangdu Kingdom was renamed Guangling Kingdom. Later, thirteen commanderies were established, and Xuzhou became one of them, governing the Chu Kingdom, along with the Donghai, Langye, Linhuai, and Guangling Commanderies. Under Emperor Xuan, the Chu Kingdom was renamed Pengcheng Commandery, and later, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was changed to Pengcheng Kingdom; the Guangqi County of the Pei Commandery was also placed under the jurisdiction of Pengcheng Kingdom, and the Linhuai Commandery was changed to Xiapai Kingdom. In the first year of the Western Jin Dynasty, several counties south of the Huai River were separated from Xiapai Kingdom to establish Linhuai Commandery, and simultaneously, the Dongguan Commandery was created from the Langye Commandery. Thus, Xuzhou governs a total of seven commanderies and kingdoms, sixty-one counties, with a total population of eighty-one thousand twenty-one households.
Pengcheng was a commandery during the Han Dynasty, overseeing seven counties with a total of 4,121 households. These seven counties include: Pengcheng (the ancient site of the Yin Shang State), Liu (the fief of Zhang Liang), Guangqi, Fuyang, Wuyuan, Lü, and Wu. Xiapi was a commandery under Linhuai during the Han Dynasty, supervising seven counties with a total of 7,500 households. These seven counties are: Xiapi (which lies to the west of Mount Ge, historically known as Yiyang, where Han Xin established his capital when he was King of Chu), Ling, Liangcheng (the fief of the Marquis of the Liang), Suiling, Xiaqiu, Quli, and Tong. Donghai Commandery was established during the Han Dynasty, managing twelve counties with a total of 11,100 households. These twelve counties include: Tan (the ancient site of the Tanzi State), Zhuqi (with Yushan in the west), Qu, Xiangben, Licheng, Ganyu, Houqiu, Lanling, Cheng, Changlu, Hexiang, and Qi. Langya was established as a commandery during the Qin Dynasty, overseeing nine counties with a total of 29,500 households. These nine counties include: Kaiyang (the fief of the Marquis), Linyi, Yangdu, Zeng, Jiqiu, Hua, Fei (the city of the Ji family in Lu), Dong'an, and Mengyin (located in the southwest). Dongguan Commandery was established during the Western Jin's Taikang period, managing eight counties with a total of 10,000 households. These eight counties include: Dongguan (the ancient city of Yun in the State of Lu), Zhuxu, Yingling (the fief of Lü Shang), and Anqiu (the fief of the ancient Ju State's Qiuqiu Father).
By the way, there’s a seawater temple in Linqu.
Guangling Commandery was established during the Han Dynasty, overseeing eight counties with a total of 8,800 households. These counties include: Huaiyin, Sheyang, Yu, Hailing (Hailing has a Jianghai Temple), Guangling, Yandu, Huaipu, and Jiangdu (Jiangdu has a Jiangshui Temple). All of these counties are governed by Guangling Commandery.
Linhuai Jun was established during the Han Dynasty. Later, Emperor Zhang incorporated Xiapi into it, but it was separated again in the first year of Taikang. This jun governs ten counties with a total of ten thousand households. Which specific counties are included? Xuyi, Dongyang, Gaoshan, Zhuikui, Panjing, Gaoyou, Huailing, Siwu, Xiaoxiang, and Xu all belong to Linhuai Jun.
In the tenth year of Taikang, four counties, Ju, Gumu, Zhu, and Dongwu, from the Chengyang Jun of Qingzhou were transferred to Dongguan Jun. In simple terms, the territories of several counties were rearranged.
In the first year of Yuankang, Lanling Jun was established separately from Donghai Jun. Seven years later, Dong'an Jun was established separately from Dongguan Jun, Huailing Jun was established separately from Linhuai Jun, and Tangyi Jun was established from Tangyi. These years saw a flurry of changing territorial boundaries, constantly splitting and merging.
During the Yongjia period, both Linhuai Jun and Huailing Jun were seized by the Shi clan. At that time, the world was in chaos, and many regions fell into disarray.
After Emperor Yuan crossed the Yangtze River, only half of the territory of Xuzhou was retained, so temporary administrative divisions of Huaiyang, Yangping, Jiyin, and Beiji were established. Following Emperor Yuan across the river, the people of Langye Country were assigned to Huai County and Langye Jun. During that time, the people of Youzhou, Jizhou, Qingzhou, Bingzhou, Yanzhou, and the northern region of Xuzhou followed the Emperor across the Yangtze River. The Emperor then temporarily established some counties to manage them.
In response to the influx of refugees, the northern region of Haiyu in Wu Jun was separated and established with seven counties: Tan, Qu, Licheng, Zhukui, Houqiu, Xixi, and Xiangben, which were temporarily resettled in Qu'a. South Donghai, South Langye, South Dongping, South Lanling, and other counties were established with Jiangcheng as the center; Linhuai, Huailing, and South Pengcheng Jun were established separately from Wujin, all under the jurisdiction of South Xuzhou; Dunqiu Jun was established under the jurisdiction of North Xuzhou. This was truly a large-scale resettlement of refugees and administrative district adjustments!
Emperor Ming also established the counties of Nanpei, Nanqinghe, Nanjia, Nandongguan, Nanpingchang, Nanjiyin, Nanpuyang, Nantaiping, Nantaishan, Nanjiyang, and Nanlu, under the jurisdiction of Xuzhou and Yanzhou. Some of these counties are in Jiangnan, some are in Jiangbei, and some are under the jurisdiction of Yanzhou, which makes administration quite complicated. Chi Jian held the positions of military chief and governor of Qingzhou and Yanzhou, and later also served as the governor of Xuzhou, stationed in Guangling. After the Su Jun rebellion was put down, he returned from Guangling to Jingkou. A county named Zhongli was established in the territory of the former Jiujiang County of the Han Dynasty, under the jurisdiction of South Xuzhou. In the north of the Yangtze River, the four states of Youzhou, Jizhou, Qingzhou, and Bingzhou were re-established. During the reign of Emperor Mu, seven counties of Nandonghai County were moved to Jingkou. In the seventh year of Yixi, the northern Huai region was officially designated as North Xuzhou, while the southern part was named Xuzhou, which included eleven counties: Pengcheng, Pei, Xiapai, Lanling, Dongguan, Dong'an, Langye, Huaiyang, Yangping, Jiyin, and Beiji. Xuyi County was established in Xuyi, which oversaw three counties: Kaocheng, Zhidu, and Yangcheng; and two counties named Hailing and Shanyang were established from Guangling. Later, Youzhou and Jizhou were merged into Xuzhou, while Qingzhou and Bingzhou were merged into Yanzhou. The constant changes in administrative divisions are really mind-boggling! Let's start by discussing Jingzhou. According to the "Tribute of Yu," it includes the Jing region and the region around Hengyang. Emperor Shun established twelve state governors, and Jingzhou was one of them. The "Rites of Zhou" refers to the southern region as Jingzhou. And the "Spring and Autumn Elements of Names" writes, "The place where the star Zhen fell is Jingzhou." The character "Jing" signifies strength, indicating that the people in this area are strong and robust. Some also interpret it as "alert," as the southern barbarians often come to fight, and the locals either submit if they can or stand their ground if they can't, always on guard. Another theory suggests that the name Jingzhou derives from Jing Mountain.
During the Six Kingdoms period, this land belonged to the State of Chu. After the Qin Dynasty conquered the State of Chu, they changed the Chu states of Yan and Ying into Nan Jun, changed the territory of Wu into Qianzhong Jun, and established Nanyang Jun north of the Han River that belonged to the State of Chu. After conquering the State of Chu, the Qin Dynasty split Qianzhong Jun into Changsha Jun. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Changsha Jun was later split into Guiyang Jun, Qianzhong Jun was renamed Wuling Jun, and Nan Jun was divided into Jiangxia Jun. Emperor Wu of Han later split Changsha Jun into Lingling Jun. Later, the Han Dynasty established thirteen provinces, and Jingzhou retained its old name, overseeing Nan Jun, Nanyang, Lingling, Guiyang, Wuling, Changsha, and Jiangxia. In the thirteenth year of the Jian'an era during Emperor Xian's reign, Cao Cao conquered all of Jingzhou, established Xiangyang Jun north of Nan Jun, Nanzhen Jun to the west of Nanyang, and Linjiang Jun west of Zhijiang. As a result of the Battle of Chibi, Cao Cao lost, and the territory south of Nan Jun fell under the control of Sun Quan's Wu Kingdom. Later, Shu Han and the Wu Kingdom divided Jingzhou, with Nan Jun, Lingling, and the western part of Wuling belonging to Shu Han, Jiangxia, Guiyang, and Changsha belonging to the Wu Kingdom, and Nanyang, Xiangyang, and Nanzhen belonging to Cao Cao's Wei Kingdom. Therefore, the name Jingzhou is used on both sides, north and south. Shu Han split Nan Jun and established Yidu Jun. After Liu Bei's death, Yidu, Wuling, Lingling, and Nan Jun all came under the control of the Wu Kingdom.
During the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei, in order to resettle the refugees from Hanzhong, Wei Xing Jun and Xin Cheng Jun were established. Emperor Ming of Wei further divided Xin Cheng Jun into Shangyong Jun. Sun Quan divided Jiangxia Jun into Wuchang Jun, Cangwu Jun into Linhe Jun, and Changsha Jun into Hengyang Jun and Xiangdong Jun. Sun Xiu then divided Wuling Jun into Tianmen Jun and Yidu Jun into Jianping Jun. Sun Hao further divided Lingling Jun into Shian Jun, Guiyang Jun into Shixing Jun, and Lingling Jun also saw the emergence of Shaoling Jun, while Changsha Jun gave rise to Ancheng Jun. As a result, the number of counties under the jurisdiction of Jingzhou increased significantly, including fifteen counties: Nanjun, Wuchang, Wuling, Yidu, Jianping, Tianmen, Changsha, Lingling, Guiyang, Hengyang, Xiangdong, Shaoling, Linhe, Shixing, and Shian. The seven counties of Nanyang, Jiangxia, Xiangyang, Nanxiang, Wei Xing, Xin Cheng, and Shangyong belonged to the Jingzhou of Wei.
After the Western Jin Dynasty's Emperor Wu destroyed the Wu Kingdom, Nanjun was divided into Nanjing Jun, Nanyang Jun was divided into Yiyang Jun, and Nanxiang Jun was renamed Shunyang Jun. Additionally, the three counties of Shixing, Shian, and Linhe were assigned to Guangzhou, and Ancheng Jun was transferred from Yangzhou. In the end, Jingzhou managed a total of twenty-two counties, one hundred sixty-nine counties, with a population of 357,548 households.
Jiangxia Jun existed during the Han Dynasty, managing seven counties with a total of twenty-four thousand households. Anlu had Hengwei Mountain to the northeast, previously known as Peiwei Mountain; Yundu was once the territory of the Yunzi Kingdom; and there were also Quling, Pingchun, Jingling (to the northeast of Jingling was Zhang Mountain, previously known as Fang Mountain), and Nanjin City.
Nanjun was also established during the Han Dynasty, managing eleven counties with a total of fifty-five thousand households. Jiangling was formerly the capital of the Chu Kingdom; Bian was home to a Yunmeng official; and there were also Dangyang, Huarong, Ruo (previously the territory of the Ruo Kingdom), Zhijiang (previously the territory of the Luo Kingdom), Jingyang, Zhouling (the favored marquis of the Chu Kingdom), Jianli, Songzi, and Shishou.
Xiangyang Commandery was established by the Wei Kingdom, overseeing eight counties, with a total of 22,700 households. Yicheng, previously known as Yan; Zhonglu, Linju (northeast of Linju is Jing Mountain), Yifu, Xiangyang (Marquis), Shandu, Dengcheng, and You.
Nanyang Commandery was established during the Qin Dynasty, overseeing fourteen counties, with a total of 24,400 households. Wan, Xie (Marquis), Zhi, Luyang (Marquis), Chou, Yuyang (Marquis), Bowang (Marquis), Duyang, Ye (Marquis, where there is Changcheng Mountain, also known as Fangcheng), Wuyin (Marquis), Biyang (Marquis), Nieyang, Guanjun, and Li.
Shunyang Commandery, established during the Taikang era, oversees eight counties, with a total of 21,100 households. Zeng, Shunyang, Nanxiang, Danshui, Wudang (Marquis), Yin, Zhuyang, and Xi. Yiyang Commandery was also established during the Taikang era, overseeing twelve counties, with a total of 19,000 households. Xinye (Marquis), Rang, Deng (formerly the Marquisate of Deng), Caiyang, Sui (formerly Sui Kingdom), Anchang, Jiyang, Juexi, Pingshi (south of which is Tongbai Mountain), Yiyang, Pinglin, and Chaoyang.
Xincheng Commandery was established by the Wei Kingdom, overseeing four counties, with a total of 15,200 households. Fangling, Suiyang, Changwei, and Yixiang. Weixing Commandery was also established by the Wei Kingdom, overseeing six counties, with a total of 12,000 households. Jinxing, Ankang, Xicheng, Xi, Changli, and Xunyang.
Shangyong Commandery was established by the Wei Kingdom, overseeing six counties, with a total of 11,448 households. Shangyong (Marquis), Anfu, Beiwu, Wuling, Shanglian, and Weiyang. Jianping Commandery, both Wu and Jin had Jianping Commandery, merged in the first year of Taikang, overseeing eight counties, with a total of 13,200 households. Wu, Beijing, Qinchang, Xinling, Xingshan, Jianshi, Zigui (formerly Chu Kingdom), and Shaqu.
Yidu Commandery, established by the Wu Kingdom, oversees three counties, with a total of 8,700 households. These three counties are Yiling, Yidao, and Hanshan.
Nanping County, which was also established by the Wu Kingdom, was originally named Nan County and was renamed Nanping County in the first year of Taikang. It administers four counties with a total of seven thousand households. These four counties are Zuotang, Chanling, Nan'an, and Jiang'an.
Wuling County, founded during the Han Dynasty, administers ten counties with a total of fourteen thousand households. These ten counties are Linyuan, Longyang, Hanshou, Yuanling, Qianyang, Youyang, Xincheng, Yuannan, Qianling, and Wuyang.
Tianmen District, established by the Wu Kingdom, administers five counties with a total of three thousand one hundred households. These five counties are Lingyang, Louzhong, Chong, Linli, and Liyang.
Changsha County, created during the Han Dynasty, administers ten counties with a total of 33,000 households. These ten counties are Linxiang, You, Xiaojun, Lilin, Liuyang, Jianning, Wuchang, Luo, Puyi, and Baling.
Hengyang County, founded by the Wu Kingdom, was previously part of Changsha County. It administers nine counties with a total of twenty-three thousand households. These nine counties are Xiangxiang, Chong'an, Xiangnan, Xiangxi, Yangyang, Hengshan, Liandao, Xinkang, and Yiyang.
Xiangdong County, established by the Wu Kingdom, was previously part of Changsha County. It administers seven counties with a total of nineteen thousand five hundred households. These seven counties are Ling, Chaling, Linzhi, Liyang, Yinshan, Xinping, and Xinning.
Lingling County, founded during the Han Dynasty, administers eleven counties with a total of twenty-five thousand one hundred households. These eleven counties are Quanling, known for its fragrant grass, which was reportedly used in ancient times for winemaking, Qiyang, Lingling, Yingpu, Taoyang, Yongchang Guanyang, Yingdao, Chongling, Lingdao, and Yingyang (there is a place called Nixu on the eastern border that is said to have been sealed by a giant elephant).
Shaoling County, founded by the Wu Kingdom, administers six counties with a total of twelve thousand households. These six counties are Shaoling, Duliang, Fuyi, Jianxing, Shaoyang, and Gaoping.
Guiyang County, founded during the Han Dynasty, administers six counties with a total of eleven thousand three hundred households. These six counties are Chen, the place where Xiang Yu enfeoffed Emperor Yi, Leiyang, Bian, Linwu, Jinning, and Nanping.
Wuchang Commandery, established by the Wu Kingdom, governs seven counties with a total of 14,800 households. These seven counties are Wuchang (formerly known as Dong'e, where the son of the Chu Kingdom Lord Xiong Qu was enfeoffed), Chaisang (with Penkou Pass), Yangxin (Shaxian), which has Xiakou, a crossing point facing Miankou, Shayang, E (with Xinxing, Matou Tieguan), and Guanling.
Ancheng Commandery, established by the Wu Kingdom, governs seven counties with a total of 3,000 households. These seven counties are Pingdu, Yichun, Xinyu, Yongxin, Anfu, Pingxiang, and Guangxing.
During the reign of Emperor Hui of the Wu Kingdom, the three commanderies of Guiyang, Wuchang, and Ancheng were separated to establish Jiangzhou. At the same time, he also separated Xincheng, Weixing, and Shangyong commanderies to form Liangzhou. In addition, he also separated a Sui Commandery from Yiyang Commandery, a Xinye Commandery from Nanyang Commandery, and a Jingling Commandery from Jiangxia Commandery. It was truly a hectic time of changes.
Later, during the reign of Emperor Huai, he initiated a significant restructuring by merging Changsha, Hengyang, Xiangdong, Lingling, Shaoling, Guiyang, as well as the nine commanderies of Shi'an, Shixing, and Linhe, which were under Guangzhou, to establish Xiangzhou. At that time, the Shu region was chaotic, so he separately established Huangrong, Zhoulings, and Jianli counties from Nan Commandery to form Fengdu, along with another county, totaling four counties, forming Chengdu Commandery, which was granted to King Ying of Chengdu as his fiefdom, allowing him to reside in Huangrong County.
During Emperor Min's reign, in the Jianxing era, he brought back Nan Commandery and merged Fengdu into Jianli County. It was really a series of twists and turns, with the territory expanding and contracting. Later, after Emperor Yuan crossed the Yangtze River, he established the new Xing Commandery and Nanhedong Commandery, which served as a resettlement area for displaced people.
During the reign of Emperor Mu, Yongyang County was separated from Lingling County, and refugees from Yiyang County in Nan County were resettled in a newly established Yiyang County. He also merged the counties of Linhe, Shixing, and Shi'an in Guangzhou, along with Guiyang in Jiangzhou and Badong in Yizhou, into one region. At the same time, he assigned Changsha, Hengyang, Xiangdong, Lingling, Shaoling, and Yingyang to Xiangzhou. These administrative adjustments were quite bewildering.
During the rule of Huan Wen, Wuning County was separated from Nan County. During the reign of Emperor An, Nanyiyang, Dongyiyang, and Changning counties were newly established counties, all of which were relocated, indicating they were administrative regions set up in locations different from their original territories. Finally, in the thirteenth year of Yixi, Xiangzhou was dissolved, and Changsha, Hengyang, Xiangdong, Lingling, Shaoling, and Yingyang counties returned to the jurisdiction of Jingzhou. All these changes were truly confusing!
As for Yangzhou, according to the "Tribute of Yu," it is part of the Huaihai region and was one of the twelve commanderies established during the reign of Emperor Shun. The "Zhou Li" also states, "The southeast is called Yangzhou." According to the "Chunqiu Yuanming Bao," the location corresponding to the star stream of the Cowherd Star was Yangzhou, which later became the Yue State. People believed that the climate in Jiangnan was relatively impulsive, and the people there were also considered frivolous, hence the name Yangzhou. Some also say that because of the numerous waterways in the region causing turbulent waves, it was called Yangzhou.
In ancient times, Yangzhou was a wilderness and was part of the Chu State during the Warring States period. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified the country, he established Zhang County, Kuaiji County, and Jiujiang County. Xiang Yu appointed Ying Bu as the King of Jiujiang, placing him in control of Jiujiang County. The Han Dynasty renamed Jiujiang County as Huainan County, and Ying Bu became the King of Huainan. Six years later, a new Yuzhang County was separated from Huainan County. Five years later, Ying Bu was killed, and the Han Dynasty designated a prince as the King of Huainan and also designated Liu Pi as the King of Wu. The combined territories of these two kingdoms encompassed nearly the entire Yangzhou region.
In the sixteenth year of Emperor Wen, the Huainan Commandery was once again divided to create Lujiang Commandery and Hengshan Commandery. In the fourth year of Emperor Jing, Emperor Jing of Han appointed his son as the King of Jiangdu and granted him the Zhang Commandery and the Kuaiji Commandery, but he did not receive the Yuzhang Commandery. During the reign of Emperor Wu, Jiangdu was renamed Guangling, and the prince was made King of Guangling, but Guangling Commandery was under the jurisdiction of Xuzhou. In the second year of Yuanfeng, the Zhang Commandery was renamed Danyang Commandery, and Huainan Commandery was reverted to Jiujang Commandery. During the reign of Emperor Shun of the Eastern Han, the Kuaiji Commandery was divided to create the Wujun Commandery, and Yangzhou was responsible for the six commanderies: Kuaiji, Danyang, Wu, Yuzhang, Jiujang, and Lujiang, while also incorporating the Liu'an Commandery into Lujiang Commandery.
During the reign of Emperor Xian in the Xingping years, Sun Ce divided the Yuzhang Commandery to create the Luling Commandery. Sun Quan further divided the Yuzhang Commandery to create the Poyang Commandery, and the Danyang Commandery was divided to create the Xindu Commandery. Sun Liang again divided the Yuzhang Commandery to create the Linchuan Commandery, and the Kuaiji Commandery was divided to create the Linhai Commandery. Sun Xiu divided the Kuaiji Commandery to create the Jian'an Commandery, and Sun Hao divided the Kuaiji Commandery to create the Dongyang Commandery, while the Wujun was divided to create the Wuxing Commandery. The Yuzhang, Luling, and Changsha Commanderies were divided to create the Ancheng Commandery, and the Luling Commandery was divided to create the Southern Luling Commandery. At this time, Yangzhou governed a total of fourteen commanderies: Danyang, Wu, Kuaiji, Wuxing, Xindu, Dongyang, Linhai, Jian'an, Yuzhang, Poyang, Linchuan, Ancheng, and Southern Luling.
The Lujiang Commandery and Jiujang Commandery in Jiangxi, from north of Hefei to the area around Shouchun, were all under the jurisdiction of the Wei state. After the Jin dynasty destroyed the Wu state, the Ancheng Commandery was assigned to Jingzhou, and eleven counties from Danyang Commandery—Xuancheng, Wanling, Lingyang, Anwu, Jing, Guangde, Ningguo, Huaian, Shicheng, Lincheng, and Chungu—were separated to establish Xuancheng Commandery, with its administrative center located in Wanling; the Xindu Commandery was renamed Xinan Commandery; the Southern Luling Commandery was renamed Nankang Commandery; the Jian'an Commandery was divided to create the Jin'an Commandery; and the Danyang Commandery was further divided to create the Piling Commandery. Ultimately, Yangzhou governed eighteen commanderies and one hundred seventy-three counties, with a population of three hundred eleven thousand four hundred households.
Hello everyone, let me introduce you to the ancient administrative divisions. First is Danyang Commandery (丹杨郡), established in the Han Dynasty, governing eleven counties with a total of 51,500 households. Jianye, originally called Moling, was renamed by Sun Quan and then changed back to Moling after the Western Jin Emperor Wu conquered Wu. It was not until the third year of Taikang that the northern part of Moling was separated and called Jiannan, changing the character for 'ye' (业) to 'ye' (邺). Jiangning County was separated from Jianye in the second year of Taikang. The name Danyang comes from the red willow trees on Danyang Mountain, located to the west. Other counties include Yuhu, Wuhu, Yongshi, Liyang (source of the Li River), Jiangcheng, Jurong (with Maoshan), Hushu, and Moling.
Next is Xuancheng Commandery (宣城郡), established in the second year of Taikang, governing eleven counties with a total of 23,500 households. Wanling is the location of a marquisate, with Pengze located to its southwest. Other counties include Xuancheng, Lingyang (where the Huai River flows into the Yangtze River from the northeast, and the legendary immortal Lingyangzi Ming lived here), Anwu, Lincheng, Shicheng, Jing, Chungu (Emperor Xiaowu changed "春" to "阳"), Guangde, Ningguo, and Huai'an.
Then comes Huainan Commandery (淮南郡), known as Jiujiang Commandery in the Qin Dynasty, Huainan Kingdom in the Han Dynasty, changed back to Jiujiang Commandery by Emperor Wu of Han, and later changed to Huainan Commandery. It governs sixteen counties with a total of 33,400 households. Shouchun, Chengde, Xiacao, Yicheng, Xiquyang, Ping'a (which features Tushan), Liyang, Quanjiao, Fuling (was submerged to form Mahu during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han), Zhongli (ancient territory of Zhongli), Hefei, Quanqiu, Yinling, Dangtu (ancient state of Tushan), Dongcheng, and Wujiang are all within the jurisdiction of Huainan Commandery.
Lastly, let's look at Lujiang Commandery (庐江郡), established in the Han Dynasty, governing ten counties with a total of 4,200 households. Yangquan, Shu (ancient state with Tongxiang), Lin (with Tianzhu Mountain to the south, featuring a temple to worship Tianzhu Mountain), Wan, Xunyang, Juchao (where the historical figure Jie met his demise), Linhu, Xiang'an, Longshu, and Liu (ancient Six States) all belong to Lujiang Commandery.
Finally, there is Piling County, where the Kingdom of Wu allocated land west of Wuxi in Kuaiji County for farming and established the Dian Nong Supervisor. In the second year of Taikang, the Dian Nong Supervisor was abolished, and Piling County was established, overseeing seven counties with a total of 12,000 households. Dantu (ancient Zhufang), Qu'a (ancient Yunyang), Wujin, Yanling, Piling, Jiyang, and Wuxi (which is home to Moshan and the shrine of Chunshen Jun) all belong to Piling County.
Next is Wujun County, established during the Han Dynasty, which oversaw eleven counties with a total of 25,000 households. Wu (the ancient state of Wu, located to the west), Jiaxing, Haiyan, Yanguan, Qiantang (the source of Wulin Mountain and Wulin Water), Fuyang, Tonglu, Jiande, Shouchang, Haiyu, and Lou are all under the jurisdiction of Wujun County.
Wuxing County, established by the Kingdom of Wu, oversees ten counties with a total of 24,000 households. This includes Wucheng, Lin'an, Yuhang, Wukang (Wukang is the site of the ancient Fengfeng State), Dongqian, Yuqian (which has a spring), as well as Guchang, Anji, Yuanshang, and Changcheng.
Kuaiji County was established by the Qin State, overseeing ten counties with a total of 30,000 households. This includes Shanyin (Shanyin, located south of Kuaiji Mountain, is home to the tomb of Dayu on its peak), Shangyu (Shangyu has Qiu Pavilion, where it is said Emperor Shun once hid from Dan Zhu), Yuyao (with Juyushan to the south), Guzhang, Yin (Yin County has Yiqi Pavilion), Mao, Shining, Shan, Yongxing, and Zhuji.
Dongyang County, established by the Kingdom of Wu, oversees nine counties with a total of 12,000 households. These are Changshan (with the Temple of Chisongzi), Yongkang, Wushang, Wuning, Taima, Xinan, Feng'an, Dingyang, and Suichang.
Xinan County, established by the Kingdom of Wu, oversees six counties with a total of 5,000 households. This includes Shixin, Suian, You, She, Haining, and Liyang.
Linhai County, established by the Kingdom of Wu, oversees eight counties, totaling 18,000 households. These are Zhang'an County, Linhai County, Shifeng County, Yongning County, Ninghai County, Songyang County, Angu County, and Hengyang County.
Jian'an County was originally Minzhong County during the Qin Dynasty. In the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han, the Minyue Kingdom was founded, but later Emperor Wu of Han destroyed the Minyue Kingdom, relocated the populace, and renamed it Dongye, which was later changed to Dongcheng. During the Eastern Han period, it was renamed Houguan Commandery, and it was renamed Jian'an County during the Wu Kingdom period. It administered seven counties, with a total of 4,300 households, including Jian'an, Wuxing, Dongping, Jianyang, Jiangle, Shaowu, and Yanping.
Jin'an County was created in the third year of the Taikang era, administering eight counties with a total of 4,300 households, including Yuanfeng, Xinluo, Wanping, Tong'an, Houguan, Luojiang, Jin'an, and Wenma.
Yuzhang County was established during the Han Dynasty, administering sixteen counties with a total of 35,000 households, including Nanchang, Haihun, Xingan, Jiancheng, Wangcai, Yongxiu, Jianchang, Wuping, Yuzhang, Pengze, Ai, Kangle, Fengcheng, Xinwu, Yifeng, and Zhongling.
Linchuang County was founded during the Wu Kingdom, administering ten counties with a total of 8,500 households, including Linru, Xifeng, Nancheng, Dongxing, Nanfeng, Yongcheng, Yihuang, Anpu, Xining, and Xinjian.
Poyang County was founded during the Wu Kingdom, administering eight counties with a total of 6,100 households, including Guangjin, Poyang, Lè'an, Yuhan, Kanyang, Liling, Geyang, and Jinxing.
Luling County was founded during the Wu Kingdom, administering ten counties with a total of 12,200 households.
Xichang, Gaochang, Shiyang, Baqiu, Nanye, Dongchang, Suixing, Jiyang, Xingping, and Yangfeng were once part of Nankang County, which was established in the third year of Taikang, administering five counties with a total of 1,400 households. Nankang County oversees several counties, including Gan, Yudu, Pinggu, Nankang, and Jieyang.
In the first year of Emperor Hui's Yuankang reign, there was a proposal in the court that the territories of Jingzhou and Yangzhou were too large and difficult to manage. Therefore, seven counties were separated from Yangzhou, including Yuzhang, Poyang, Luling, Linchuan, Nankang, Jian'an, and Jin'an. Additionally, three counties were separated from Jingzhou, including Wuchang, Guiyang, and Ancheng, totaling ten counties. Because these counties were all along the Yangtze River, Jiangzhou was established. In the first year of Yongxing, two counties were separated from Lujiang to establish Xunyang County, which came under Jiangzhou's jurisdiction. At the same time, two counties were separated from Huainan to establish Liyang County. Furthermore, in recognition of Zhou Ji's military achievements against Shi Bing, Yangxian was separated from Wuxing, Beixiang was separated from Changcheng, and three new counties were established, totaling four counties, to establish Yixing County to commend Zhou Ji's merits, which was under the jurisdiction of Yangzhou. Also, due to the name 'Piling' conflicting with that of a prince of Donghai at the time, it was renamed Jinling County.
In the first year of Emperor Huai's Yongjia reign, Pengze County in Yuzhang was transferred to Xunyang County for administration. After Emperor Min ascended the throne, to avoid naming taboos associated with the emperor, Jianye was renamed Jiankang. After Emperor Yuan crossed the river and established the capital in Yangzhou, the title of Danyang Prefect was changed to Danyang Intendant, and Xinchai County was established in Jiangzhou. Xunyang County was expanded to include Nine Jiang and Shangjia counties, and later Nine Jiang County was merged into Xunyang County. At that time, the states of Sizhou, Jizhou, Yongzhou, Liangzhou, Qingzhou, Bingzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Youzhou, and Pingzhou were all lost. The only remaining regions in the south of the Yangtze River were Yangzhou, Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Jiangzhou, Liangzhou, Yizhou, Jiaozhou, and Guangzhou, with only half of Xuzhou still intact and only Qiaocheng left in Yuzhou.
In the first year of the Ming Emperor's Tai Ning era, Yongjia County was established by splitting it off from Linhai County, governing the four counties of Yongning, Angu, Songyang, and Hengyang. As a result, Yangzhou came to govern eleven counties: Danyang, Wujun, Wuxing, Xin'an, Dongyang, Linhai, Yongjia, Xuancheng, Yixing, and Jinling.
Amidst the turmoil in the Central Plains, the common folk fled south, and the government resettled them in Guangling and Dantu South City, which were far from their hometowns. Later, when the Hu people invaded from the north, the people of Huainan fled across the Yangtze River to escape. When Emperor Cheng first ascended to the throne, Su Jun and Zu Yue rebelled in the Jianghuai region, and the Hu people launched a large-scale invasion, leading even more people to seek refuge in Jiangnan. Consequently, the government set up Huainan County and several other counties in Jiangnan, and also established Songzi County in Xunyang, which fell under Yangzhou's jurisdiction. In the fourth year of the Xian Kang era, several new counties were created, including Weijun, Guangchuan, Gaoyang, and Tangyi, along with their governing counties, all located near Jiankang, now known as Nanjing. The Lingyang County was renamed Guangyang County. In the second year of the Xiao Wu Emperor's Ningkang era, Lecheng County was established by separating it from Yongning County of Yongjia. During that period, the people of Shangdang also sought refuge in the south, which led the government to establish Shangdang County, which governed four counties and was based in Wuhu. Later, Shangdang County was dissolved and turned into a regular county, and Xiangcheng County was also abolished and merged into Fanchang County, all falling under Huainan's jurisdiction.
In the eighth year of Emperor An's reign, the county of Xunyang was incorporated into the county of Chaisang, which continued to serve as the administrative center. Later, Shangjia County was merged into Pengze County. Previously, Jiangzhou governed Jingzhou's Jingling County, but later He Wuji became the governor of Jiangzhou and submitted a proposal stating that Jingling County was too far from Jiangzhou, being three hundred miles away from Jiangling. The population of Suian County established in Jingzhou had all moved to Jiangzhou, and he wanted to transfer Jingling County to Jingzhou to help with Jiangzhou's border defense. Additionally, Hongnong County from Sizhou and Songzi County from Yangzhou were also located in Xunyang, where the local population lived intermixed, so a management institution should be established. Emperor An agreed. Later, Songzi County was downgraded to a county, and Hongnong County was downgraded to Hongnong County, both coming under the jurisdiction of Xunyang Prefecture.
Regarding Jiaozhou, according to the "Yugong," it is part of Yangzhou's territory, which was the land of the ancient kingdom of Nanyue. After Qin Shi Huang unified Nanyue, he dispatched five hundred thousand troops to guard the Five Ridges. The route from north to south into Nanyue had to traverse mountain passes, and there were five such places at the time, hence the name Five Ridges. Later, the Qin Dynasty sent Renxiao and Zhao Tuo to attack Nanyue, seizing the Lu Liang area and completely pacifying Nanyue, establishing the three commanderies of Guilin, Nanhai, and Xiang. These three commanderies were not within the limits of the thirty-six commanderies, so a Nanhai Commander was appointed to manage them, which is known as the "Southeast Commander."
During the early Han Dynasty, the three commanderies of Lingnan, as well as Changsha and Yuzhang, were granted to Wu Rui, appointing him as the King of Changsha. Eleven years later, Nan Wuhou Zhi was appointed as the King of Nanhai. After returning from a diplomatic mission, Lu Jia was appointed as the King of Nanyue, and the three commanderies located south of Changsha were conferred upon him. In the sixth year of Yuanding during Emperor Wu of Han's reign, the rebellion led by Lv Jia was quelled, and his territory was established as the seven commanderies of Nanhai, Cangwu, Yulin, Hepu, Rinan, Jiuzhen, and Jiaozhi, which had developed from the territories of three commanderies established during the Qin Dynasty. During the Yuanfeng era, Dan'er and Zhuyai commanderies were established, and a governor was appointed to administer these commanderies. In the fifth year of Yuan Shi's reign, Dan'er commandery was abolished and merged into Zhuyai commandery. In the third year of Chu Yuan, Zhuyai commandery was abolished. Later, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Ma Yuan pacified the area of Jiaozhou and began to build cities and establish villages. In the ninth year of Yonghe during Emperor Shun's reign, Jiaozhou Prefect Zhou Chang petitioned for the Jiaozhou area to be designated as a province, but the court declined the request and appointed Zhou Chang as the Jiaozhi governor. During Emperor Huan's reign, Gaoxing commandery was established and subsequently renamed Gaoliang commandery during Emperor Ling's reign. In the eighth year of Jian'an, Zhang Jin was appointed as the Jiaozhi governor and Shi Xie was appointed as the Jiaozhou Prefect. They jointly petitioned the court for the establishment of Jiaozhou, and Zhang Jin was appointed as the Governor of Jiaozhou. Fifteen years later, the capital of Jiaozhou was moved to Panyu. The court issued an edict directing the Governor of Jiaozhou to organize a festival, and the commanderies were outfitted with ceremonial music and dance troupes to strengthen the defense of the cities and towns.
In the fifth year of Huangwu in the Kingdom of Wu, the Wu Kingdom established Guangzhou by designating the three counties of Nanhai, Cangwu, and Yulin, while Jiaozhi, Rinan, Jiuzhen, and Hepu formed Jiaozhou. Dai Liang was appointed as the governor of Jiaozhou, but he was unable to take office due to the turmoil. Later, Lu Dai quelled the unrest, allowing Jiaozhou to return to its previous state. In the fifth year of Chiwu, Zhuyao was reestablished. In the seventh year of Yong'an, Nanhai, Cangwu, and Yulin were reestablished as Guangzhou. During the reign of Sun Hao, Xinchang, Wuping, and Jiude counties were established. During the time of the Shu Han dynasty, Li Hui served as the Prefect of Jianning and also remotely led as the governor of Jiaozhou. After the Jin dynasty pacified the Shu Han dynasty, Huyi, the Prefect of Jianning in the Shu Han dynasty, remotely led as the governor of Jiaozhou and could appoint local officials. After the Jin dynasty pacified the Wu Kingdom, Zhuyao was merged into Hepu. In the end, Jiaozhou administered seven counties, fifty-three counties, and a population of twenty-five thousand six hundred households.
Hello everyone, today let's talk about the ancient Hepu. Hepu was established during the Han Dynasty, overseeing six counties with a total of two thousand households. The six counties are: Hepu, Nanping, Dangchang, Xuwen, Du Zhi, and Zhuguan.
Next is Jiaozhi, which was also established during the Han Dynasty and is significantly larger than Hepu, overseeing fourteen counties with twelve thousand households. The fourteen counties are: Longbian, Goulu, Wanghai, Xi Yu, Wuning, Zhuyuan, Quyi, Jiaoxing, Beidai, Jixu, Anding, Nanding, Haiping.
Then there is Xinchang, established by the Wu Kingdom, overseeing six counties with three thousand households. The six counties are: Miling (this area was once troubled by a woman named Zhengce, later pacified by Mayuan), Jianing, Wuding, Fengshan, Linxi, Xidao.
Next is Wuping, also established by the Wu Kingdom, overseeing seven counties with five thousand households. These are: Wuning, Wuxing, Jinshan, Gening, Anwu, Fuan, Fengxi.
Jiuzhen, established during the Han Dynasty, oversees seven counties with three thousand households. The seven counties are: Xupu, Yifeng, Jinwu, Jianchu, Changle, Fule, Songyuan.
Jiude Jun, established by the State of Wu, was part of the territory of the Yue Chang clan during the Zhou Dynasty, governing eight counties, though there are no records of the population statistics. These eight counties are: Jiude, Xianhuan, Nanling, Yangsui, Fuling, Quxu, Puyang, and Duxiao.
Next is Rinan County, which was called Xiang County during the Qin Dynasty and renamed by Emperor Han Wu. It governed five counties with a population of six hundred households. These five counties are: Xianglin (to the south, there are four nations where locals claim to be descendants of the Han people; a bronze pillar erected by the Han Dynasty serves as a border marker, and they are required to pay tribute in gold and taxes), Lurong (the county seat of Xiang County), Zhuwu, Xijuan, and Bijing.
Next is Guangzhou. According to the "Tribute of Yu," this place belonged to the Yangzhou region and was occupied by Zhao Tuo at the end of the Qin Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Han Wu, it was designated as Jiaozhi County. In the fifth year of the Huangwu Emperor of the Wu State, the four counties of Nanhai, Cangwu, Yulin, and Gaoliang in Jiaozhou were separated, and Guangzhou was established, but it was soon reverted back to its previous status. In the sixth year of Yong'an, Guangzhou was reestablished from Jiaozhou, and a portion was separated from Hepu County to establish the northern part of Hepu, managed by the Commandant. Sun Hao also established Guilin County, separating it from Yulin County. During the Taikang period of the Western Jin Dynasty, the Wu State was destroyed, and Shi'an, Shixing, and Linhe counties in Jingzhou belonged to Guangzhou. Thus, Guangzhou ultimately governed ten prefectures and sixty-eight counties, totaling forty-three thousand one hundred and twenty households.
Nanhai County, established during the Qin Dynasty, governed six counties with a population of nine thousand five hundred households. These six counties are: Panyu, Sihui, Zengcheng, Boluo, Longchuan, and Pingyi.
Linhe County, established by the State of Wu, governed six counties with a population of two thousand five hundred households. The six counties are: Linhe, Xiemu, Fengcheng, Fengyang, Xing'an, and Fuchuan.
Finally, Shi'an County, also established by the State of Wu, governed seven counties with a population of six thousand households.
First, let's take a look at the ancient administrative divisions. Places like Shi'an, Shiyang, Pingle, Lipu, Changan, Xiping, and Yongfeng all belong to Shixing Jun, which oversaw seven counties with approximately 5,000 households. Qujiang, Guiyang, Shixing, Hanyu, Zhongyang, Zhongsu, and Yangshan are all in Cangwu Jun, established during the Han Dynasty, overseeing twelve counties with a population of about 7,700 households.
Next is Yulin Jun, formerly known as Guilin Jun during the Qin Dynasty and renamed by Emperor Wu of the Han. It oversees nine counties with approximately 6,000 households. These nine counties are Bushan, Alin, Xinyi, Jinping, Shijian, Yuping, Lingfang, Wuxi, and Anguang.
During the Wu Kingdom, Guilin Jun was also established, overseeing eight counties with approximately 2,000 households. Tangzhong, Wufeng, Suping, Yangping, Longgang, Jiayang, Wucheng, and Junteng are all part of Guilin Jun.
Gaoliang Jun was also established by the Wu Kingdom, comprising three counties and about 2,000 households: Anning, Gaoliang, and Siping.
Gaoxing Jun, also established by the Wu Kingdom, comprises five counties with about 1,200 households. Anning, Gaoliang, and Siping are all part of Gaoliang Jun. The five counties under the jurisdiction of Gaoxing Jun are Guanghua, Haian, Huaping, Huangyang, and Xiping.
Ningpu Jun, also established by the Wu Kingdom, comprises five counties with approximately 1,220 households: Ningpu, Liandao, Wu'an, Changping, and Pingshan.
Later, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Gaoxing County was abolished. In the first year of Yongjia during the reign of Emperor Huai of Jin, the three districts of Linhe, Shixing, and Shian, which included a total of twenty districts, were merged into Xiangzhou. During the reign of Emperor Yuan of Jin, Jinxiang District was established from Yulin District. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Jin, Dongguan District was carved out from Nanhai District, and at the same time, the districts of Shixing and Linhe were reassigned to Jingzhou. During the reign of Emperor Mu of Jin, three districts, Jinkang, Xinning, and Yongping, were separated from Cangwu District. In the Taihe era of Emperor Ai of Jin, a new district called Xin'an was established. During the reign of Emperor An of Jin, Yian District was separated from Dongguan District. Finally, during the reign of Emperor Gong of Jin, Xinhui District was separated from Nanhai District. Therefore, it's clear that the administrative divisions in ancient times underwent frequent changes!
