List of state leaders in the 6th century

State leaders in the 5th century – State leaders in the 7th century – State leaders by year

This is a list of state leaders in the 6th century (501–600) AD.

Africa

• Kingdom of Aksum (complete list) –

• Alla Amidas, King (f. mid 6th century)
• Wazena, King (f. mid 6th century)
• W`ZB, King (f. mid 6th century)
• Ioel, King (f. mid 6th century)
• Hataz, King (c.575)
• Saifu, King (c.577)
• Israel, King (c.590)
• Gersem, King (c.600)

• Vandal Kingdom (complete list) –

• Thrasamund, King (496–523)
• Hilderic, King (523–530)
• Gelimer, King (530–534)

America: Mesoamerica

• Copán (complete list) –

• B'alam Nehn, King (504–544)
• Wil Ohl K'inich, King (532–551)^[1]
• Sak-Lu, King (551–553)
• Tzi-B'alam, King (553–578)
• K'ak' Chan Yopaat, King (578–628)^[2]

• Palenque (complete list) –

• B'utz Aj Sak Chiik, Ajaw (487–501)
• Ahkal Mo' Nahb I, Ajaw (501–524)
• K'an Joy Chitam I, Ajaw (529–565)
• Ahkal Mo' Nahb II, Ajaw (565–570)
• Kan Bahlam I, Ajaw (572–583)
• Yohl Ik'nal, Queen (583–604)

• Tikal (complete list) –

• Chak Tok Ich'aak II, Ajaw (c.486-508)
• Lady of Tikal, Ajaw, co-ruler (511-c.527)
• Kaloomte' Bahlam, Ajaw, co-ruler (c.511-527)
• Bird Claw, Ajaw (early 6th century)
• Wak Chan K'awiil, Ajaw (c.537-c.562)
• Animal Skull, Ajaw (post-562-c.593)

Asia

Asia: Central

• Hephthalite Empire –

• Toramana, Tegin (c.490-515)
• Mihirakula, Tegin (c.502-530)

• Rouran Khaganate (complete list) –

• Yujiulü Nagai, Khan (492–506)
• Yujiulü Futu, Khan (506–508)
• Yujiulü Chounu, Khan (508–520)
• Yujiulü Anagui, Khan (520–552)
• Yujiulü Poluomen, Khan (521–524)
• Yujiulü Tiefa, Khan (552–553)
• Yujiulü Dengzhu, Khan (553)
• Yujiulü Kangti, Khan (553)
• Yujiulü Anluochen, Khan (553–554)
• Yujiulü Dengshuzi, Khan (555)

• Turkic Khaganate (complete list) –

• Bumin, Qaghan (551–552)
• Issik, Qaghan (552-553)
• Muqan, Qaghan (554–572)
• Taspar, Qaghan (572–581)
• Ashina Anluo, Qaghan (581–c.582)
• Ishbara, Qaghan (581–587)
• Bagha, Qaghan (587–589)
• Tulan, Qaghan (588–599)

• Tibet (Yarlung Valley) (complete list) –

• Drongnyen Deu, King
• Tagbu Nyasig, King (579–619)

Asia: East

China: Northern dynasties

• Northern Wei (complete list) –

• Xuanwu, Emperor (499–515)
• Xiaoming, Emperor (516-528)
• daughter of Xiaoming, Emperor (528)
• Yuan Zhao,^[3] "Emperor" (528)
• Xiaozhuang, Emperor (528-530)^[4]
• Yuan Ye, Emperor (530-531)
• Jiemin, Emperor (531-532)
• Yuan Lang, Emperor (531-532)
• Xiaowu , Emperor (532-535)

• Western Wei (complete list) –

• Wen, Emperor (535-551)
• Fei, Emperor (552-554)
• Gong, Emperor (554-556)

• Northern Zhou (complete list) –

• Xiaomin, Emperor (557)
• Ming, Emperor (557-560)
• Wu, Emperor (561-578)
• Jing, Emperor (579-581)

• Eastern Wei (complete list) –

• Xiaojing, Emperor (534-550)

• Northern Qi (complete list) –

• Wenxuan, Emperor (550-559)
• Fei, Emperor (560)
• Xiaozhao, Emperor (560-561)
• Wucheng, Emperor (561-565)
• Gao Wei, Emperor (565-577)
• Gao Heng, Emperor (577)

China: Southern dynasties

• Southern Qi (complete list) –

• Xiao Baojuan, Emperor (499–501)
• He, Emperor (501–502)

• Southern Liang (complete list) –

• Wu, Emperor (502-549)^[5]
• Jianwen, Emperor (549-551)
• Xiao Dong, Prince (551-552)
• Yuan, Emperor (552-555)^[6]
• Xiao Yuanming, Marquess (555)
• Jing, Emperor (555-557)^[7]

• Western Liang (complete list) –

• Xuan, Emperor (555-562)
• Ming, Emperor (562-585)
• Jing, Emperor (585-587)

• Southern Chen (complete list) –

• Wu, Emperor (557–559)
• Wen, Emperor (560-566)
• Xuan, Emperor (569-582)
• Chen Shubao, Emperor/Duke (582–589)

China: Sui dynasty

• Sui dynasty (complete list) –

• Wen, Emperor (581-604)
• Yang, Emperor ( 000 )
• Gong, Emperor ( 000 )

China: Tang dynasty

• Tang dynasty (complete list) –

• Gaozu, Emperor ( 000 )
• Taizong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Gaozong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Zhongzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Ruizong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Wu Zetian, Emperor ( 000 )
• Zhongzong (2nd reign), Emperor ( 000 )
• Shang, Emperor ( 000 )
• Ruizong (2nd reign), Emperor ( 000 )
• Xuanzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Suzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Daizong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Dezong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Shunzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Xianzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Muzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Jingzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Wenzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Wuzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Xuānzong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Yizong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Xizong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Zhaozong, Emperor ( 000 )
• Ai, Emperor ( 000 )

Japan

• Japan, Asuka period (complete list) –

• Buretsu, Emperor (498–506)
• Keitai, Emperor (507–531)
• Ankan, Emperor (531–535)
• Senka, Emperor (535–539)
• Kinmei, Emperor (539–571)
• Bidatsu, Emperor (572–585)
• Yōmei, Emperor (585–587)
• Sushun, Emperor (587–592)
• Suiko, Empress (592–628)

Korea

• Baekje (complete list) –

• Dongseong, King (479–501)
• Muryeong, King (501–523)
• Seong, King (523–554)
• Wideok, King (554–598)
• Hye, King (598–599)
• Beop, King (599–600)
• Mu, King (600–641)

• Geumgwan Gaya (complete list) –

• Gyeomji, King (492–521)
• Guhyeong, King (521–532)

• Goguryeo (complete list) –

• Munja, King (491-519)
• Anjang, King (519-531)
• An-won, King (531-545)
• Yang-won, King (545-559)
• Pyeong-won, King (559-590)
• Yeong-yang, King (590-618)

• Silla (complete list) –

• Jijeung, King (500–514)
• Beopheung, King (514–540)
• Jinheung, King (540–576)
• Jinji, King (576–579)
• Jinpyeong, King (579–632)

Asia: South

• Chalukya Empire –

• Pulakeshin I, King (543–566)
• Kirtivarman I, King (566–597)
• Mangalesha, Regent (597–609)

• Gupta Empire (complete list) –

• Narasimhagupta Baladitya, Emperor (c.495–?)
• Kumaragupta III, Emperor
• Vishnugupta, Emperor (c.540–c.550)
• Vainyagupta, Emperor (c.551–c.554)
• Bhanugupta, Emperor

• Pallava Kingdom –

• The Pallava dynasty has two chronologies of rulers.
• Nandivarman I, King (480–500/510)
• Kumaravishnu II, King (early 6th century)
• Buddhavarman, King (early 6th century)
• Kumaravishnu III, King (early 6th century)
• Simhavarman III, King (early/mid 6th century)
• Simhavishnu, King (mid/late 6th century)^[8]
• Mahendravarman I, King (6th/7th century)^[8]

Sri Lanka

• Anuradhapura Kingdom, Sri Lanka (complete list) –

• Moggallana I, King (497–515)
• Kumara Dhatusena, King (515–524)
• Kittisena, King (524–524)
• Siva II, King (524–525)
• Upatissa II, King (525–526)
• Silakala Ambosamanera, King (526–539)
• Dathappabhuti, King (539–540)
• Moggallana II, King (540–560)
• Kittisiri Meghavanna, King (560–561)
• Maha Naga, King (561–564)
• Aggabodhi I, King (564–598)
• Aggabodhi II, King (598–608)

Asia: West

Turks

• Western Turkic Khaganate (complete list) –

• Istämi, Yabgu (553–575)
• Tardu

• Yabgu (575–581)
• Qaghan (581–603)

• Apa, Qaghan of the Apa line (581–587)
• Niri, Qaghan of the Apa line (c.600)

Persia

• Persia, Sasanian Empire (complete list) –

• Kavadh I, Shahanshah, King of Kings (498–496, 499–531)
• Khosrow I, Shahanshah, King of Kings (531–579)
• Hormizd IV, Shahanshah, King of Kings (579–590)
• Khosrow II, Shahanshah, King of Kings (590)
• Bahram VI Chobin,§ Shahanshah, King of Kings (590–591)
• Khosrow II, Shahanshah, King of Kings (591–628)
• Vistahm,§ Shahanshah, King of Kings (591–596)

Europe

Europe: Balkans

• Byzantine Empire (complete list) –

• Anastasius I, Emperor (491–518)
• Justin I, Emperor (518–527)
• Justinian I, Emperor (527–565)
• Justin II, Emperor (565–578)
• Tiberius II, Emperor (578–582)
• Maurice, Emperor (582–602)
• Theodosius, Co-Emperor (590–602)

Europe: British Isles

Great Britain: Scotland

• Dál Riata (complete list) –

• Loarn, King (474–500)
• Fergus Mór, King (500–501)
• Domangart Réti, King (?–c.507)
• Comgall mac Domangairt, King (?–c.540)
• Gabrán mac Domangairt, King (?–c.560)
• Conall mac Comgaill, King (?–c.574)
• Áedán mac Gabráin, King (?–c.606)

• Picts (complete list) –

• Galam Cennalath, King (550-555)
• Bridei I, King (554-584)
• Gartnait II, King (584-595)
• Nechtan nepos Uerb, King (595-616)

• Kingdom of Strathclyde / Alt Clut (complete list) –

• Dyfnwal Hen, King (early 6th century)
• Clinoch of Alt Clut, King (6th century)
• Tutagual, King (mid 6th century)
• Rhydderch Hael, King (6th–7th century)

Great Britain: Northumbria

• Bernicia (complete list) –

• Ida, King (c.547–559)
• Glappa, King (559-560)
• Adda, King of Bernicia (560-568)
• Aethelric, King (568-572)
• Theodric, King (572-579)
• Frithuwald, King (579-585)
• Hussa, King (585-592)
• Æthelfrith, King (593-616)

• Deira (complete list) –

• Ælla, King (560-589)
• Aethelric, King (589-604)

Great Britain: England

• The Britons (complete list) –

• Ambrosius Aurelianus, Leader (late 5th century)
• Maelgwn Gwynedd, King (?–c.549)
• Selyf ap Cynan, King (?–c.613)

• Dumnonia (complete list) –

• Geraint, King (c.480–c.514)
• Cador, King (c.514–c.530)
• Constantine, King (c.530–c.560)
• Gerren rac Denau, King (c.560–c.598)
• Bledric ap Custennin, King (c.598–c.613)

• Kingdom of East Anglia (complete list) –

• Wehha, King (?–571)
• Wuffa of East Anglia, King (571-578)
• Tytila of East Anglia, King (578-593)
• Raedwald of East Anglia, King (593-624)

• Kingdom of Essex (complete list) –

• Æscwine, King (527-587)
• Sledd, King (587-604)

• Kingdom of Gwynedd (complete list) –

• Cadwallon Lawhir ap Einion, King (c.500–534)
• Maelgwn Gwynedd, King (c.520–c.547)
• Rhun Hir ap Maelgwn, King (c.547–c.580)
• Beli ap Rhun, King (c.580–c.599)
• Iago ap Beli, King (c.599–c.616)

• Kingdom of Kent (complete list) –

• Oisc, King (488–c.512)
• Octa, King (512/516–534/540)
• Eormenric, King (534/540–c.590)
• Æthelberht I, King (c.590–616)

• Kingdom of Powys (complete list) –

• Cyngen Glodrydd, King (c.500)
• Pasgen ap Cyngen, King (c.530)
• Morgan ap Pasgen, King (c.540)
• Brochwel Ysgithrog, King (c.550)
• Cynan Garwyn, King (582–610)

• Kingdom of Sussex (complete list) –

• Ælle, King (477–514)
• Cissa, King (514–567)

• Kingdom of Wessex (complete list) –

• Cerdic, King (519-534)
• Cynric, King (534-560)
• Ceawlin, King (560-592)
• Cynric, King (534-560)
• Ceol, King (591-597)
• Ceolwulf, King (597-611)

Ireland

• Ireland (complete list) –

These kings are generally though historical, but dates are uncertain and naming some High Kings may be anachronistic or inaccurate.

• Lugaid mac Lóegairi, High King (479–503)
• Muirchertach mac Ercae, High King (504–527)
• Túathal Máelgarb, High King (528–538
• Diarmait mac Cerbaill, High King (539–558)
• Domhnall and Fearghus, High Kings (559–561)
• Eochaidh and Baedan, High Kings (562–563)
• Ainmuire mac Sétnai, High King (564–566)
• Báetán mac Ninnedo, High King (567)
• Áed mac Ainmuirech, High King (568–594)
• Áed Sláine and Colmán Rímid, High King (595–600)

Europe: East

• Avar Khaganate –

• Kandik, Khagan (554-562)
• Bayan I, Khagan (562-602)

Europe: Nortic

• Sweden (complete list) –

• Ongentheow, King (c.490–515)
• Ohthere, King
• Onela, King
• Eadgils, King (c.530–575)
• Östen, King (late 6th century)
• Sölve, King (late 6th–early 7th century)

Europe: South

• Lombards (complete list) –

• Pannonia

• Tato, King (c.500–510)
• Wacho, King (510–539)
• Walthari, King (539–546)
• Audoin, King (546–560)
• Alboin, King (560–568)

• Italy

• Alboin, King (568–572)
• Cleph, King (572–574)
• Interregnum (574–584)
• Authari, King (584–590)
• Agilulf, King (590–616)

• Ostrogothic Kingdom, Italy, King (complete list) –

• Theoderic, King (493–526)
• Athalaric, King (526–534)
• Theodahad, King (534–536)
• Vitiges, King (536–540)
• Ildibad, King (540–541)
• Eraric, King (541)
• Totila, King (541–552)
• Teia, King (552–553)

Europe: Southwest

• Kingdom of Galicia / Kingdom of the Suebi (complete list) –

• Veremund, King (fl. 535)
• Theodemund, King (fl. 6th century)
• Chararic, King (c.550–558/559)
• Ariamir, King (558/559–561/566)
• Theodemar, King (561/566–570)
• Miro, King (570–583)
• Eboric, King (583–584)
• Andeca, King (584–585)
• Malaric, King (585)

• Visigothic Kingdom (complete list) –

• Alaric II, King (484–507)
• Gesalec, King (507–511)
• Theoderic the Great, Regent (511–526)
• Amalaric, King (526–531)
• Theudis, King (531–548)
• Theudigisel, King (548–549)
• Agila I, King (549–554)
• Athanagild, King (554–568)
• Liuva I, King (568–572)
• Liuvigild, King (569–586)
• Hermenegild, King (580–585)
• Reccared I, King (580–601)
• Segga, King (586–587)
• Argimund, King (589–590)

Europe: West

• First Kingdom of Burgundy (non-Merovingian) (complete list) –

• Gundobad, King in Lyon and Burgundy (473–516)
• Godegisel, King in Vienne and Geneva (473–500)
• Sigismund, King (516–523)
• Godomar, King (523–532)

• Frankish Empire: Merovingian dynasty (complete list) –

• Clovis I, King (481–511)
• Childebert I, King (511–558)
• Chlodomer, King (511–524)
• Theuderic I, King (511–533)
• Theudebert I, King (533–548)
• Theudebald, King (548–555)
• Chlothar I, King (511–561)
• Charibert I, King (561–567)
• Guntram, King (561–592)
• Sigebert I, King (561–575)
• Childebert II, King (575–595)
• Theudebert II, King (595–612)

• Austrasia of the Franks (complete list) –

• Theuderic I, King (511–533)
• Theudebert I, King (533–548)
• Theudebald, King (548–555)
• Chlothar I, King (555–561)
• Sigebert I, King (561–575)
• Childebert II, King (575–595)
• Theudebert II, King (595–612)

• Kingdom of Burgundy (complete list) -

• Guntram (561–592)
• Childebert II (592–595), also King of Austrasia
• Theuderic II (595–613), also King of Austrasia

Eurasian Caucasus

• Caucasian Iberia (complete list) –

• Vakhtang I Gorgasali, King (447–522)
• Dachi, King (522–534)
• Bacurius II, King (534–547)
• Pharasmanes V, King (547–561)
• Pharasmanes VI, King (561–?)
• Bacurius III, King (?–580)

References

1. Sharer & Traxler 2006, p.336.
2. Sharer & Traxler 2006, p. 337.
3. Empress Dowager Hu initially declared Emperor Xiaoming's "son" (actually a daughter) emperor, but almost immediately after admitted that she was actually female and declared Yuan Zhao emperor instead. Emperor Xiaoming's unnamed daughter was therefore arguably an "emperor" and his successor, but is not commonly regarded as one. Indeed, Yuan Zhao himself is often not considered an emperor.
4. The Northern Wei imperial prince Yuan Hao, under support by rival Liang Dynasty's troops, declared himself emperor and captured the capital Luoyang in 529, forcing Emperor Xiaozhuang to flee. Yuan Hao carried imperial title and received pledges of allegiance from provinces south of the Yellow River for about three months before Erzhu Rong recaptured Luoyang. Yuan Hao fled and was killed in flight. Due to the briefness of Yuan Hao's claim on the throne and the limited geographic scope of his reign, he is usually not counted among the succession of Northern Wei emperors.
5. Emperor Wu's nephew Xiao Zhengde the Prince of Linhe, who joined Hou Jing's rebellion, was declared emperor by Hou in 548, but after Hou's victory over Emperor Wu in 549 was deposed and killed by Hou, and is not usually considered a true emperor.
6. Emperor Yuan's brother Xiao Ji the Prince of Wuling also declared himself emperor in 552, but was defeated and killed by Emperor Yuan in 553, and is usually not considered a true emperor.
7. In 558, a year after Emperor Jing had yielded the throne to Chen Baxian (and had been killed by Chen), his nephew Xiao Zhuang the Prince of Yongjia, with support from Northern Qi, was proclaimed the emperor of Liang by the general Wang Lin. In 560, Wang Lin defeated the Chen troops, and both he and Xiao Zhuang were forced to flee to Northern Qi. It is a matter of controversy whether Xiao Zhuang should be considered an emperor of Liang.
8. Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. pp. 41–42. ISBN 978-9-38060-734-4.