Fifth and final of the Five Dynasties, a reforming regime under Guo Wei and then Chai Rong (Emperor Shizong) that strengthened the central army and set the stage for reunification.
Ended in 960 when general Zhao Kuangyin was proclaimed emperor by his troops at Chenqiao and founded the Song dynasty, inheriting the Later Zhou's reformed military and administration.
Covers the Later Zhou reforms that directly enabled the Song reunification.