The Southern Qi Dynasty (479-502) is the second of the Southern dynasties in China, followed by the Liang Dynasty.

During its 23-year history, the dynasty is largely filled with instability, as after the death of the capable Emperor Gao and Emperor Wu, Emperor Wu's grandson Xiao Zhaoye is assassinated by Emperor Wu's intelligent but cruel and suspicious cousin Xiao Luan, who takes over as Emperor Ming, and proceeds to carry out massive executions of Emperor Gao's and Emperor Wu's sons and grandsons, as well as officials that he suspects of plotting against him.

The arbitrariness of these executions is exacerbated after Emperor Ming is succeeded by his son Xiao Baojuan, whose actions draw multiple rebellions, the last of which, by the general Xiao Yan, leads to Southern Qi's fall and succession by Xiao Yan's Liang Dynasty.