THREE KINGDOMS Meaning and
Definition
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Three Kingdoms refers to a historical period in China, specifically from the late second century to the early third century AD, during which the country was divided into three distinct political entities. It is also the title of the renowned Chinese historical novel, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," which depicts events during this period.
In the context of history, the Three Kingdoms represent the division of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The Han Empire, weakened by internal conflicts, experienced significant political unrest, eventually leading to its fragmentation. The three major powers that emerged were Wei in the north, Shu in the west, and Wu in the south. These kingdoms vied for supremacy and engaged in numerous military campaigns and diplomatic maneuvers.
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is a seminal work written by Luo Guanzhong during the 14th century. Composed of over 800,000 words, it has become one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The novel extensively elaborates on the historical events of the Three Kingdoms period, showcasing the complex power struggles, military strategies, and the rise and fall of notable figures such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan.
The term "Three Kingdoms" has become a widely recognized reference to a particular period in Chinese history characterized by political fragmentation, territorial conflicts, and remarkable tales of heroism and honor. The enduring fascination with this era has garnered interest amongst scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike, making it an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage.
Etymology of THREE KINGDOMS
The word "three kingdoms" originated from the English language. It comprises the word "three", derived from the Old English "þrīe", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "thrijiz". The word "kingdoms" is a plural form of "kingdom", which comes from the Old English "cyningdom", combining "cyning" meaning "king" and "dom" meaning "jurisdiction" or "rule". Thus, when combined, "three kingdoms" refers to a scenario or historical period with three separate political entities ruled by kings.
