The "Ten Kingdoms" refers to a historical period in China during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, which lasted from 907 to 979 AD. This time was marked by political fragmentation and the rise of various regional states after the fall of the Tang Dynasty. Each kingdom operated independently, with its own rulers and systems of governance. The ten prominent kingdoms included Wu, Wuyue, Min, and Chu, among others. These kingdoms were characterized by their unique cultures, economies, and military strategies. The era ended with the unification of China under the Song Dynasty, which brought stability and centralized governance back to the region.