From 172 to 174, the religious leader Xu Chang led a major uprising against the Han dynasty of China in the Kuaiji Commandery. Having proclaimed himself emperor while restoring the ancient state of Yue, Xu and his followers initially proved successful and overran much of Kuaiji. The Han central government consequently appointed Zhang Min as commander of the local pro-government forces and mobilized soldiers from across Yang Province. In late 174, the insurgents were finally destroyed. Primary sources Xu Chang's rebellion is mentioned in several primary sources, namely the "Annals of the Later Han", the "Records of the Three Kingdoms", the Zizhi Tongjian, and the Dongguan Hanji. These sources do not give detailed descriptions of the rebellion, and differ on several aspects, including the names and titles of the uprising's leaders. Some differences can be reconciled, while the most likely name of the head of the insurgency is "Xu Chang", as the name is associated with a prophecy about dynastic change in the Zuo zhuan. By the late 2nd century, many believed that the prophecy claimed that someone named or connected with "xuchang" would overthrow the Han dynasty. Sinologist Rafe de Crespigny argued that the rebel leader probably based his uprising on his name, perhaps even adopting the name "Xu Chang" to fit the prophecy. Background The Han dynasty of China faced growing difficulties in the 160s and 170s, as its central government became ever more factionalised and corrupt, while its regional authority suffered from defeats along the northern frontier as well as tensions with the local gentry across the empire. Despite these difficulties, the Han empire remained relatively stable, although religious movements spread as many people sought salvation from plagues and famines. The lower Yangtze region was one of the centers for unorthodox cults opposed to the state ideology of Confucianism. Many heterodox cults promised to provide healing as well as secret knowledge. One of the local sects was led by a man named Xu Chang who claimed to have supernatural powers. His followers probably included both Han Chinese as well as Yue tribespeople. Rebellion Xu Chang launched his uprising at Juzhang (Ningbo) in 172, declaring himself "Emperor of the Brightness of Yang", while appointing his father Xu Sheng "King of Yue", formally reviving the ancient state of the same name that had been destroyed in the 4th or 3rd century BC. According to some of the primary sources,