Gaozu

Gaozu (Chinese: 高祖; pinyin: Gāozǔ; Wade–Giles: Kao¹-tsu³; literally: "high forefather") is an imperial temple name typically used for Chinese emperors who founded a particular dynasty. It may refer to:

• Emperor Gaozu of Han (256 BC or 247 BC – 195 BC)
• Cao Pi (187–226) of Cao Wei, the temple name was eventually changed to Shizu
• Liu Yuan (Han Zhao) (251–310), the temple name was eventually changed to Taizu
• Shi Le (274–333) of Later Zhao
• Fu Jian (317–355) of Former Qin
• Qifu Gangui (died in 412) of Western Qin
• Yao Xing (366–416) of Later Qin
• Liu Yu (Emperor Wu of Liu Song) (363–422)
• Yuan Hong (Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei) (467–499)
• Emperor Wu of Liang (464–549)
• Emperor Wu of Chen (503–559)
• Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou (543–578)
• Yang Jian (Emperor Wen of Sui) (541–604) of the Sui dynasty
• Emperor Gaozu of Tang (566–635)
• Wang Jian (Former Shu) (847–918) of Former Shu
• Yang Longyan (897–920) of Wu (Ten Kingdoms)
• Meng Zhixiang (874–934) of Later Shu
• Liu Yan (emperor) (889–942) of Southern Han
• Shi Jingtang (892–942) of the Later Jin (Five Dynasties)
• Liu Zhiyuan (895–948) of the Later Han (Five Dynasties)
• Chen Youliang (1320–1363) of Great Han

It may also refer to those who never officially declared themselves as emperors, but were posthumously given the title by their imperial descendants:

• Sima Yi (179–251), Emperor Gaozu of the Jin dynasty (265–420)
• Zhang Shi (Former Liang) (died in 320), Emperor Gaozu of Former Liang (320–376)
• Murong Hui (269–333), Emperor Gaozu of Former Yan (337–370)
• Gao Huan (496–547), Emperor Taizu of Northern Qi (550–577)

See also

• Taizu (disambiguation) (similar meaning; some emperors have been called both)