Founded by Emperor Wu of Liang (Xiao Yan
萧衍, r. 502-549), one of China's most devoted Buddhist rulers — he repeatedly 'gave himself' to the Tongtai Temple and had to be ransomed back by his court. The dynasty collapsed during the Hou Jing Rebellion (548-552) and was succeeded by the Chen. Distinguish from the later
后梁 Hòu Liáng (Later Liang, 907-923) of the Five Dynasties period.