Nanzhao: A Lost Kingdom in Southern China

Nanzhao was a kingdom that flourished in what is now southern China and Southeast Asia during the 8th and 9th centuries. It emerged through the unification of six tribes in what is now the Chinese province of Yunnan, and would turn out to be a strong military power. By playing its far larger and more powerful neighbours against each other, it managed to not only retain its independence, but also to expand in all directions. In addition, it boasted an advanced system of government, its own brand of Buddhism, and monumental works of architecture. In this video I give an overview of the history of this fascinating kingdom.