Map of northern China, 523 to 528: the revolt of the Six Garrisons along the northern frontier of the Northern Wei from Woye to Yuyi, the risings in Guanzhong around Chang'an and in Hebei, Anagui's march with the Rouran from Wuchuan against Woye in 525, and Erzhu Rong against Ge Rong at Ye in 528
523–528: The garrisons on the northern frontier of the Northern Wei rise under Poliuhan Baling and beat the Wei at Wuyuan and Baidao in 524. In 525 the Rouran khan Anagui breaks the rising for the Wei. The war moves into Guanzhong and Hebei, until Erzhu Rong defeats Ge Rong at Ye in 528. Modern map; the shaded areas show where the risings ran, not frontiers.
Plate XVIII in the Atlas → © Emre-E Yavuz 2026

Who ruled

And beyond the steppe

  • China Northern Wei Emperor Xiaoming 515–528
  • Iran Sasanian Kavad I 498–531
  • Korea Goguryeo Anjang 519–531
  • Byzantium Justinian Justin I 518–527

Western steppe

  • Culture · Sogdian colonists found the first towns of Semirech'e, Suyab and Navaket among them, as estates of nobles (450–600)

    Suyab · Sogdians

China

  • Environment · Drought and hunger in the Hetao plain behind the Six Garrisons; the garrisons revolt

    Anagui

  • The Six Garrisons revolt; the Wei emperor calls in the Rouran, who suppress the rising and plunder the rebel districts

    Anagui · Rouran Khaganate · Tiele · Huaihuang