Southern Court (Japan, 1336-1392)
Historical term for the Japanese imperial court during the Nanboku-chō period, opposed to the Northern Court.
See also: 南北朝
The emperor of the Southern Court was based in Yoshino.
Southern Dynasties (China, 420-589)
Historical term for the succession of Chinese dynasties in the south during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.
See also: 南北朝
The Southern Dynasties of China include Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen.
From 南 (south) + 朝 (court/dynasty). The reading なんちょう is the standard on'yomi combination.