The Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD) was a significant era in Chinese history that followed the fall of the Han Dynasty. It was characterized by the division of China into three rival states: Wei, Shu, and Wu. This period is known for its political intrigue, military conflicts, and the rise of notable figures such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan. The era is famously depicted in the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which dramatizes the events and personalities of the time. The period ended when the Jin Dynasty unified China, but its legacy continues to influence Chinese culture, literature, and popular media.