1. The Yellow Turban Rebellion (184-205 CE): This was a widespread rebellion led by the Yellow Turban Taoists against the Han government and the corrupt aristocracy. The rebels aimed to overthrow the Han dynasty and establish a new order based on religious principles.
2. The Xiongnu Invasion (48 CE): The Xiongnu, a nomadic confederation from Inner Asia, had a long history of conflict with the Han empire. In 48 CE, they invaded the Han territories, seizing control of several commanderies in the northwest and forcing the Han to pay tribute.
3. The Xianbei Invasions (3rd to 5th Centuries CE): The Xianbei, another nomadic confederation, emerged as a significant threat to the Han dynasty during its decline. They made multiple incursions into Han territories, particularly in the north and west, plundering and devastating many regions.
4. Wu Hu Invasions (304-316 CE): The Wu Hu, a term used to refer to various non-Han ethnic groups, launched a series of invasions against the Han empire. They took advantage of the internal weaknesses of the Han court and conquered large parts of northern and central China. This period is known as the Sixteen Kingdoms period.
5. The Di Invasion (317 CE): The Di, a Tibeto-Burman people, invaded and conquered the Han capital, Chang'an, leading to the fall of the Western Jin dynasty (successor to the Han dynasty) and the subsequent fragmentation of China.
These invasions and internal rebellions contributed significantly to the collapse of the Han empire and marked the end of a unified China for several centuries.