Emperor Wu of Liu Song

Emperor Wu of (Liu) Song, personal name Liu Yu (劉裕), courtesy name Dexing (德興), nickname Jinu (寄奴), was a statesman and strategist of ancient China, and the founding emperor of the Chinese dynasty Liu Song. He came from a humble background, but became prominent after leading a rebellion in 404 to overthrow Huan Xuan, who had usurped the Jin throne in 403. After that point, using a mixture of political and military skills, Liu Yu gradually concentrated power in his own hands while expanding Jin's territory. In 420, he forced Emperor Gong of Jin to yield the throne to him, thus ending Jin and establishing Song. He ruled only briefly, for two years, before dying and passing the throne to his son, Emperor Shao of Liu Song. The History of the Southern Dynasties described Liu Yu as seven chi and six cun tall (approximately 1.862 m.