Wang Dao

Helped Sima Rui found the Eastern Jin; people at the time said, "The Wang and the Ma share the realm."

Life

Crossed the Yangtze to build a base

Wang Dao was born into the Wang clan of Langya. At the end of the Western Jin he persuaded Sima Rui, Prince of Langya, to move his garrison to Jianye and won over the southern gentry for him, allowing the Sima clan, newcomers from the north, to gain a firm foothold in Jiangdong.

Wang and Sima share the realm

In 317 the Western Jin fell, and the following year Sima Rui proclaimed himself emperor, founding the Eastern Jin. Wang Dao became chancellor and his cousin Wang Dun controlled the army; the Wang clan of Langya was at the height of its power, and people said, "The Wang and the Ma share the realm."

Lenient governance

He governed mainly with leniency, reconciling the northern and southern gentry and setting up "lodged" provinces, commanderies and counties to settle refugees from the north. When Wang Dun rose in rebellion in 322, Wang Dao sided with the court. He served three emperors and died in 339.

Legacy

Wang Dao was the founder of the Eastern Jin; his tolerant policies held together the cooperation of northern and southern gentry clans, allowing the Eastern Jin, confined to the south of the Yangtze, to last a hundred years.

Major works & achievements

• Helped found Eastern Jin

Did you know? Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy, was his nephew.

Key dates

• 307Followed Sima Rui when he moved his garrison to Jianye
• 318Helped found Eastern Jin
• 322Sided with the court in Wang Dun's rebellion
• 339Died