Minyue

Minyue (simplified Chinese: 闽越; traditional Chinese: 閩越; pinyin: Mǐnyuè; Mindong: Mìng Uŏk; Minnan: Bân Oa̍t) was an ancient kingdom located what is now the province of Fujian in southern China. It was a contemporary of the Han Dynasty. Its inhabitants were from diverse ethnic groups including the Baiyue. The state survived roughly from 334 BC to 110 BC. According to the Shiji, the founders were members of the Yue royal family who fled after that state was defeated by Chu and Qi in 334 BCE.

Minyue was partially conquered by the Han Dynasty by the end of the 2nd century BCE. However its position (being closed off by mountains) made it almost impossible for the Han Dynasty to establish a strong grip over this area. Minyue was annexed by Nanyue under Zhao Tuo and submitted to Nanyue rule from 183 BC to 135 BC, and was finally conquered by the Han dynasty in 110 BC. An ancient stone city located in inner mountains of Fujian is said to have been the Minyue capital. The nearby tombs show the same funerary tradition as Yue state tombs in Zhejiang Province. Hence, it is concluded that the city was a Minyue center.