Institution
Nine-rank system
The nine-rank system was a method of selecting officials introduced in 220 under Cao Pi, the first emperor of Cao Wei. Local assessors graded candidates into nine ranks according to their character and ability, and appointments followed the grades. In practice the assessors favoured great families, and the system entrenched an aristocracy in Chinese government until it was replaced under the Sui dynasty.
Mentioned in 1 state history
See also
Cite this entry
- APA
- The Epoch Institute. (2026). Nine-rank system. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/nine-rank-system
- MLA
- “Nine-rank system.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/nine-rank-system. Accessed .
- Chicago
- The Epoch Institute. “Nine-rank system.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/nine-rank-system.
- Harvard
- The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Nine-rank system’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/nine-rank-system (Accessed: ).
Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻