Ma Xiang

Ma Xiang (died c. 188) was a self-declared Emperor of China, Yellow Turban rebel, warlord, and bandit leader who lived in the late 2nd century.

Although operating after the main Yellow Turban Rebellion had been defeated, Ma proved highly successful in leading a large insurgency in the western Han Empire of China.

[1][2] Xi Jian had been notorious for his deeply corrupt governance, and the Han imperial court had actually ordered his dismissal at the time when Ma and Zhao invaded Yi Province.

[3] After overthrowing Xi, the rebels conquered the Shu[b] and Qianwei commanderies, whereupon Ma Xiang declared himself Emperor of China (Son of Heaven).

[1] Yellow Turban insurgents under Zhao Fa also assaulted the Ba commandery where they ordered the local nobles to turn over their wives and daughters.

Despite Ma's army greatly outnumbering his opponent, he was defeated, although all sources for the events are extremely vague on how Jia Long achieved this success.

[9] Despite Ma's defeat, the region remained chaotic, as bandits, rebel remnants, private armies, and rogue soldiers roamed the area.