Cao Wei

| s = | w = | p = Cáo Wèi | bpmf = | myr = Tsáu Wèi | tp = Cáo Wèi | mi = | gr = Tsaur Wey | showflag = p | y = Chòuh Ngaih | ci = | j = Cou4 ngai6 | tl = Tsô Guī | poj = Chô Gūi }}

Wei ( < Middle Chinese: < Eastern Han Chinese: ) (220–266)Also known as Cao Wei () or Former Wei.}}) was one of the major dynastic states in China during the Three Kingdoms period. The state was established in 220 by Cao Pi based upon the foundations laid by his father Cao Cao during the end of the Han dynasty. Its capital was initially located at Xuchang, and was later moved to Luoyang.

The name ''Wei'' first became associated with Cao Cao when he was named the Duke of Wei by the Eastern Han government in 213, and became the name of the state when Cao Pi proclaimed himself emperor in 220. Historians often add the prefix "Cao" to distinguish it from other Chinese states known as ''Wei''. The authority of the ruling Cao family dramatically weakened following the deposition and execution of Cao Shuang, a regent for the dynasty's third emperor Cao Fang. Beginning in 249, another regent in Sima Yi gradually consolidated state authority for himself and his relatives, with the last Wei emperors largely being puppets of the Sima family. In 266, Sima Yi's grandson Sima Yan forced Emperor Yuan to abdicate, proclaiming himself to be Emperor Wu of the newly established Jin dynasty. Provided by Wikipedia