Liu Yao

Liu Yao
劉曜
Emperor of Han-Zhao
Reign318–329
PredecessorJin Zhun
SuccessorLiu Xi (not enthroned)
BornUnknown
Died329
Spouse
Issuesee #Personal information
Names
Family name: Liu (劉)
Given name: Yao (曜)
Courtesy name: Yongming (永明)
Era name and dates
Guāngchū (光初): 318–329
HouseLiu
DynastyHan-Zhao
FatherLiu Lü
MotherLady Hu

Liu Yao (died 329), courtesy name Yongming, was the final emperor of the Xiongnu-led Han-Zhao dynasty of China. He became emperor in 318 after most other members of the imperial Liu clan were massacred by Jin Zhun in a coup. However, the empire was soon divided in half, as the general Shi Le declared independence and established the Later Zhao dynasty. In a decisive battle in early 329, Shi captured and executed him, and while his sons Liu Xi the Crown Prince and Liu Yin the Prince of Nanyang continued to hold out for nearly a year, the Han-Zhao state fell later that year.