This essay examines notorious crimes perpetrated by the military men during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten States period (907–979) based on both official histories and biji筆記‎ accounts. Rapidly shifting political rule, contested boundaries, an excessively premium on martial values, and tensions between the military (wu武‎) and the civil (wen文‎) all contributed to the violence and instability of the day. The unending wars and volatile politics fostered an environment wherein a widespread contempt for human life became commonplace, particularly among the military men who rose to power through combat and slaughter.