Politics220
Fall of the Han and Founding of Wei
Cao Cao’s son Cao Pi received the throne from Emperor Xian and founded Wei. The Han dynasty, which had lasted over four centuries, came to an end and the Three Kingdoms period began.
Yan Li-pen · Public domain · Source
When Cao Cao died early in 220, his son Cao Pi inherited the title King of Wei and in the tenth month had Emperor Xian abdicate in his favour, founding Wei with its capital at Luoyang. This ended the Han dynasty founded by Liu Bang. Wei introduced the nine-rank system for selecting officials, which later let aristocratic clans monopolise office. Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor of Shu Han the following year, and Sun Quan emperor of Wu in 229, so that three emperors stood side by side.