The Later Tang (923–937 AD) was the second and perhaps the most militarily formidable of the Five Dynasties that ruled northern China during the chaotic 10th century. Its roots traced back to the Shatuo Turks, a nomadic people whose legendary leader, Li Keyong, was famously known as the 'One-Eyed Dragon'.
Li Keyong commanded the terrifying 'Raven Army'—a highly disciplined elite cavalry unit clad entirely in black armor that struck absolute fear into the hearts of their enemies. Though Li Keyong spent his life locked in a bitter, unresolved blood feud with Zhu Wen (the founder of the Later Liang), his legacy was fulfilled by his brilliant son, Li Cunxu.
A true military prodigy, Li Cunxu led his Shatuo cavalry to completely annihilate the Later Liang in 923. Upon his victory, he declared himself emperor of the Later Tang, boldly claiming to be the legitimate restorer of the fallen Tang Dynasty.
Initially, Li Cunxu's reign was glorious, marked by sweeping conquests that temporarily reunited much of northern China and even expanded into the Sichuan basin by conquering the Former Shu. However, the military genius proved to be a disastrous politician.
Obsessed with theater and opera, Li Cunxu began performing on stage himself and elevated his favorite actors to high government positions, ignoring the veteran generals who had bled for his empire. This staggering mismanagement alienated his army, leading to a massive mutiny in 926 where he was tragically killed by a stray arrow.
Following his death, his adoptive brother, Li Siyuan (Emperor Mingzong), stabilized the empire and ushered in a brief golden age characterized by peaceful borders, agricultural recovery, and the promotion of the printing press. Yet, after Mingzong's death, the Later Tang rapidly descended into a vicious cycle of succession struggles, ultimately falling when a disgruntled general, Shi Jingtang, rebelled and invited a devastating Khitan invasion to destroy his own dynasty.