Liu Zhiyuan, a military leader from the Later Tang dynasty, declared himself emperor in 947, heralding the founding of the Later Han dynasty. This move came during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, which was marked by constant warfare and rapid political change among competing factions and rulers. As the Later Tang dynasty began to falter, regional warlords and military leaders seized opportunities to claim titles and establish their own power bases. Liu Zhiyuan emerged from this backdrop of chaos, leveraging his military success and growing support to assert his authority.

The declaration took place in Kaifeng, a strategically significant city that had become a center of power during this tumultuous period. By proclaiming the Later Han, Liu Zhiyuan sought not only to legitimize his rule but also to unite and stabilize a fragmented China, divided among rival kingdoms. He adopted the era name 'Taiping' to signify peace, indicative of his aspirations for restoration and order. His reign would last until 950, although it was relatively short-lived, it represented an important moment in the ongoing struggle for legitimacy and power in the post-Tang landscape.

Liu Zhiyuan's proclamation did not just signify the emergence of a new dynasty but also reflected the turbulent nature of governance during this era. The Later Han dynasty, although lasting only a few years, contributed to the complex narrative of dynastic succession and fragmentation, which characterizes the Five Dynasties period. As Liu sought to consolidate his power, it set the stage for the continuing evolution of imperial rule in China, culminating in the eventual rise of the Song dynasty later in the 10th century.