The "Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms" period (907-979 AD) in Chinese history followed the fall of the Tang Dynasty. It was marked by political fragmentation, with five short-lived dynasties ruling over northern China. These dynasties included the Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou. Simultaneously, southern China saw the rise of ten independent kingdoms, such as Wu, Min, and Southern Han. This era was characterized by constant warfare, shifting alliances, and cultural developments, laying the groundwork for the eventual reunification under the Song Dynasty.