Following the death of Sima Yan, internecine war erupted known as the "Disturbances of the Eight Princes" The short-lived Western Jin period ended in 316. This followed a period known as the Northern and Southern Dynasties, when China was divided with the North eventually ruled by T'o-pa Tartars, and the South by Chinese (Northern and Southern Dynasties, 420-589).

From the late Han period through the Jin period, conflict with Mongolian tribes grew fiercer. In BC 200 the first Han emperor, Liu Bong, led his 300,000 members army to fight against the Mongolians at Shanxi, Tai Yuen. He lost the battle and had to pay tribute to escape. Between BC 2000-134 seven princesses were sent to marry Mongolian tribesmen to maintain peace.

Finally in AD 439 Tuobadao, emperor of the Northern Wei unified Northern China under his rule. This was the beginning of the Northern Dynasty and marked the first time the Mongolians took over China.In these confusing times, the country became sharply divided. In AD 543 Prime Minister of the Northern Wei, Gao Huan, established the Eastern Wei (AD 534-550) at Luoyang, while another general, Yu Wen Tai established the Western Wei (AD 535-556) at Xian. Finally in AD 549 Gao Yang conquered the Eastern Wei and formed the Northern Qi (AD549-577), as a Mongolian state.

Meanwhile, Yu Wen Jue took over the Western Wei to establish the Northern Zhou (AD557-581), following the Han manner of rule. The country was only unified under the Sui dynasty under Emperor Sui Wen in AD 581.