The Western Jin dynasty, founded by Sima Yan, was the first dynasty to reunify China after the chaotic Three Kingdoms period. It ruled from 266 to 316 AD.
Legend has it that the Sima clan's rise was foretold by celestial omens, and their victory over Eastern Wu in 280 AD was celebrated as the restoration of the Mandate of Heaven. However, the dynasty soon faced internal strife known as the War of the Eight Princes, which eventually led to its collapse and the beginning of the Sixteen Kingdoms era.