The 十六国 (Sixteen Kingdoms) was a period in Chinese history from the late 4th century to the early 5th century, characterized by the fragmentation of the Northern regions. During this time, various states emerged, often led by different ethnic groups, including the Xianbei, Qiang, and Han Chinese. The era was marked by constant warfare and shifting alliances among these kingdoms. This period saw the rise and fall of numerous short-lived states, such as Former Yan, Later Zhao, and Western Qin. The 十六国 era played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of northern China, leading to the eventual reunification under the Sui Dynasty in the late 6th century.