Chu-Han contention
Encyclopedia
The Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BC) was a post-Qin Dynasty
interregnum
period in Chinese history. Following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu
split the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms. Two prominent contending powers, Western Chu
and Han
, emerged from these principalities and engaged in a struggle for supremacy over China. Western Chu was led by Xiang Yu, while the Han leader was Liu Bang. During this period of time, several minor kings from the Eighteen Kingdoms also fought battles against each other. These battles were independent of the main conflict between Chu and Han. The war ended with total victory for Han and Liu Bang proclaimed himself emperor and established the Han Dynasty
.
In 221 BC, the Qin state
unified China by conquering the six other major states and established the Qin Dynasty
. However, the dynasty lasted 16 years only as its rule was extremely unpopular with the people for its oppressive policies. In 209 BC, Chen Sheng
led the Daze Village Uprising to overthrow the Qin Dynasty. Although the uprising was crushed, several other rebellions erupted consecutively all around China over the next three years. Many rebel forces claimed to be restoring the former six states
and numerous pretenders to the thrones of the states emerged, resulting in the formation of many insurgent states. In 206 BC, the last Qin ruler, Ziying
, surrendered to Liu Bang, bringing an end to the Qin Dynasty.
Among all the rebel forces, the most powerful one was the Kingdom of Chu
. Xiang Yu
, the commander of the Chu army, won the support of many other rebel leaders after his outstanding victory at the Battle of Julu
, and served as a de facto
leader of all the rebel forces. Upon the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang divided the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms, each governed by a regional king, and gave King Huai II of Chu a more honorific title, "Emperor Yi of Chu
". However, the emperor was merely a puppet ruler, as the power of Chu was in the hands of Xiang Yu. About a year later, Xiang Yu relocated Emperor Yi to the remote area of Chen County (present-day Chenzhou
, Hunan
), effectively sending the puppet ruler into exile. He issued a secret order for the regional kings there to murder the emperor during the journey.
During the division of the Eighteen Kingdoms, Xiang Yu appointed some rebel generals as regional kings, even though these generals were subordinates of other lords, who should rightfully be the kings instead. Besides, the Guanzhong
region was granted to three surrendered Qin generals
, even though the land was rightfully Liu Bang's, according to an earlier agreement, which stated that the person who conquered Xianyang first would receive the title of "King of Guanzhong". Liu Bang was sent to the remote Bashu region (in present-day Sichuan
) instead and granted the title of "King of Han
". Xiang Yu proclaimed himself "Hegemon-King of Western Chu" and ruled nine commanderies in the former Liang
and Chu territories, with his capital at Pengcheng (present-day Xuzhou
).
" by Xiang Yu
and given the land of Bashu (in present-day Sichuan
) as his domain. Liu Bang had about 30,000 troops under his command then and several thousands of civilians with him. After reaching his destination, Liu Bang ordered the gallery road
s leading into Bashu to be destroyed as a precautionary move against any possible attack from the rear and to trick Xiang Yu that he had no intention of leaving Bashu.
Meanwhile, in the former Qi state
, Tian Rong (chancellor of Qi) was unhappy with Xiang Yu's allocation of Qi's territories, and rose in rebellion against the regional kings of Jiaodong, Qi and Jibei (collectively known as the Three Qis). Tian Rong conquered the Three Qis and reinstated Tian Fu as the King of Qi, but took over the throne himself later. Tian Rong put Peng Yue
in charge of his army and ordered Peng to attack Western Chu. Tian Rong also sent troops to support another rebellion in the former Zhao state
, led by Chen Yu, a former vice chancellor of Zhao. In 205 BC, Chen Yu overthrew Zhang Er, the King of Changshan, and seized Zhang's domain and reinstalled Zhao Xie (King of Dai) on the throne of Zhao. Xiang Yu felt threatened by the rebellions in Qi and Zhao and led an army to attack Tian Rong.
was away to suppress the rebellions, Liu Bang used the opportunity to attack the Three Qins
in Guanzhong
. Liu Bang's general Han Xin
ordered his men to pretend to repair the gallery roads in order to put Zhang Han (King of Yong) off guard, while secretly making advances through Chencang
. Zhang Han was taken by surprise and defeated by the Han forces in two consecutive battles. Taking advantage of the victory, Liu Bang proceeded to conquer Longxi, Beidi and Shangjun. Liu Bang also sent his men to fetch his family in Pei (in present-day Xuzhou
). Upon hearing news of Liu Bang's attacks, Xiang Yu sent an army to Yangxia to intercept the Han army, and appointed Zheng Chang
as King of Hán
to help him cover his flank. In Yan
, Zang Tu
killed Han Guang
(King of Liaodong) and seized Han's lands and proclaimed himself ruler of the unified Yan state.
, Liu Bang advanced his forces east of Hangu Pass
to conquer the Henan
region. Sima Xin
(King of Sai), Dong Yi
(King of Di) and Shen Yang
(King of Henan) surrendered to Liu Bang. Zheng Chang
(King of Hán
) refused to submit to Liu Bang and was defeated by Liu's general Han Xin
in battle, and replaced by Hán Xin. Zhang Er (former King of Changshan) came to join Liu Bang after losing his domain to Zhao Xie and Chen Yu. In the third month, Liu Bang attacked Henei with help from Wei Bao (King of Western Wei). When Liu Bang received news that Emperor Yi of Chu
had been murdered on Xiang Yu
's orders, he held a memorial service for the emperor, accusing Xiang of committing regicide, and using that incident as political propaganda to justify his war against Western Chu.
In the fourth month of 205 BC, Xiang Yu defeated Tian Rong at Chengyang
and the latter was killed during his retreat to Pingyuan. Although the Qi kingdom
surrendered to Western Chu, Xiang Yu did not appease the people and instead allowed his troops to loot and plunder Qi territories. Tian Rong's younger brother, Tian Heng, installed Tian Guang (son of Tian Rong) on the throne of Qi, and continued to lead resistance against Chu. Meanwhile, Liu Bang had mustered an army of about 560,000 men with support from the surrendered regional kings. In the eight month, Chu's capital Pengcheng (present-day Xuzhou
) fell to the coalition force led by Liu Bang. When Xiang Yu received news that Liu Bang had occupied Pengcheng, he led 30,000 troops back to retake Pengcheng. Liu Bang was caught off guard and his army suffered heavy casualties and his family was captured by Chu forces. After the battle, Han lost its territorial gains in Chu and most of the kings who surrendered to Han earlier defected to Chu.
forces decreased drastically. Liu Bang's family was captured by Western Chu
forces and kept as hostages, and many of the regional kings who surrendered to Liu Bang earlier defected to Xiang Yu
's side. Besides, the Qi
and Zhao
kingdoms also requested for peace negotiations with Chu.
Upon reaching Xiayi (present-day Xiayi County
, Henan
), which was defended by his brother-in-law, Liu Bang reorganized his troops for a retreat. When he arrived at Yu (present-day Yucheng County
, Henan), Liu Bang sent an envoy to meet Ying Bu (or Qing Bu), the King of Jiujiang. Ying Bu agreed to join Liu Bang's side and rebelled against Western Chu. Xiang Yu sent Long Ju
to lead an army to attack Ying Bu.
In the sixth month of 205 BC, Liu Bang named his son, Liu Ying (future Emperor Hui of Han
), as his crown prince, and ordered him to defend Liyang (present-day Yanliang District
, Shaanxi
). Shortly after, Han forces conquered Feiqiu (present-day Xingping
, Shaanxi), which was guarded by Zhang Han, and Zhang committed suicide.
On another front, Ying Bu was unable to defeat Long Ju and decided to give up, and he went to meet Liu Bang with Sui He. Liu Bang reorganized his army, which now included the reinforcements from Guanzhong
(sent by Xiao He
) and Han Xin
's troops. Liu Bang's forces attacked Western Chu at Jing County (near present-day Luoyang
) and Suoting (near present-day Xingyang
) and scored a victory, driving Xiang Yu's forces east of Xingyang.
) left Liu Bang on the pretext of visiting an ill relative, and returned to his domain. Subsequently, Wei pledged allegiance to Xiang Yu
and rebelled against Liu Bang. Liu Bang sent Li Yiji
to persuade Wei Bao to surrender but Wei refused, so Liu ordered Han Xin
to lead an army to attack Wei.
Wei Bao stationed his army at Puban and blocked the route to Linjin. Han Xin tricked Wei Bao into believing that he was planning to attack Linjin, while secretly sending a force from Xiayang to cross the river and attack Anyi (present-day Xia County, Shanxi
). In the ninth month, Wei Bao personally led an attack on Han Xin but lost the battle and was captured. Wei Bao surrendered and was accepted by Liu Bang as a general. In the ninth month, Han Xin led his army to attack the Kingdom of Dai with support from Zhang Er (former King of Changshan), and scored another decisive victory against Dai, capturing Dai's chancellor Xia Shuo in battle.
and Zhang Er led an army to attack the Zhao kingdom
at Jingxing Pass. Zhao Xie (King of Zhao) and his chancellor Chen Yu led a 200,000 strong army to resist the Han forces. The Zhao general Li Zuojun proposed a plan to trap Han Xin within 10 days: Li Zuojun would lead 30,000 men to disrupt Han's supply route and block his return route, while Chen Yu would defend the frontline firmly and prevent Han Xin from advancing. However, Chen Yu refused to accept Li Zuojun's plan.
The evening before the battle, Han Xin sent a 2,000 strong light cavalry unit, each man carrying a flag of the Han army, to station near the Zhao camp. The next morning, Han Xin feigned defeat in the early skirmish with the Zhao troops, luring them to follow him, while his 2,000 men proceeded to capture the Zhao camp. Meanwhile, the Zhao soldiers retreated after failing to conquer Han Xin's fort, and were surprised to see that their camp had been overrun by Han forces. The Zhao army fell into chaos and Han Xin seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack and scored a major victory. Chen Yu was killed in action while Zhao Xie and Li Zuojun were captured.
surrendered to Han Xin
, and Zhang Er was appointed as King of Zhao
. Xiang Yu
constantly sent its armies to attack Zhao but Han Xin and Zhang Er managed to hold their positions. Xiang Yu then turned its attention towards Xingyang
, where Liu Bang was stationed, and forced Liu to retreat to Chenggao
. Liu Bang was besieged in Chenggao and had no choice but to head north of the Yellow River
to join Han Xin. Liu Bang took over Han Xin and Zhang Er's command of the military in Zhao, and ordered Han to lead an army to attack the Qi kingdom
.
Just as Han Xin was preparing to attack Qi, Liu Bang sent Li Yiji
to persuade Tian Guang (King of Qi) to surrender, without informing Han. Tian Guang decided to surrender and ordered his troops to withdraw from Lixia
. However, Han Xin was not aware that Tian Guang had the intention of surrendering, and followed the advice of Kuai Tong to launch an attack. Han Xin's army conquered Lixia and arrived at Qi's capital Linzi
. Tian Guang thought that Li Yiji had lied to him and he had Li killed, after which he retreated to Gaomi
and requested help from Western Chu
. Meanwhile, Han Xin conquered Linzi and continued to pursue the retreating Qi forces to Gaomi.
Xiang Yu sent Long Ju
to lead a 200,000 strong army to help Tian Guang. The allied forces of Qi and Chu lost to Han in the first battle. Someone advised Long Ju to avoid engaging Han Xin directly and focus on strengthening their defenses, while asking Tian Guang to rally support from the Qi cities that had fallen to Han. In that case, the Han army would eventually be deprived of supplies and be forced to surrender. However, Long Ju rejected the proposal and insisted on taking on Han Xin. In 203 BC, on the night before the battle, Han Xin sent his men to dam the Wei River with sandbags. The next morning, after a skirmish with Long Ju's forces, Han Xin feigned retreat, luring Long to follow him. When about a quarter of the Chu army had crossed the river, Han Xin signaled for his men to open the dam, drowning many Chu soldiers and isolating Long Ju with only a fraction of his force. Taking advantage of the situation, Han Xin launched a counter attack. Long Ju was killed in action and the rest of the Chu army disintegrated as Han Xin continued pressing the attack. Tian Guang fled and Han Xin continued pursuing the retreating enemy to Chengyang
.
After his victory, Han Xin swiftly took control of the Qi territories and he sent an envoy to Liu Bang, requesting that Liu let him be the acting King of Qi. At that time, Liu Bang was besieged in Xingyang
by Xiang Yu, and eagerly waiting for reinforcements from Han Xin, but Han made a request to be an acting king instead, which greatly angered Liu. However, Liu Bang reluctantly approved Han Xin's request after listening to advice from Zhang Liang and Chen Ping
. At the same time, Xiang Yu became worried after losing Long Ju and he sent Wu She to persuade Han Xin to rebel against Liu Bang and declare himself king. However, despite additional urging from Kuai Tong, Han Xin firmly refused to betray Liu Bang. Han Xin later organized an army to move southward and attack Western Chu.
to Aocang. In 204 BC, Xiang Yu
led an attack on the routes and the Han
army started to run short of supplies. Liu Bang negotiated for peace with Xiang Yu and agreed to cede the lands east of Xingyang to Western Chu
. Xiang Yu had the intention of accepting Liu Bang's offer, but Fan Zeng
advised him to reject and urged him to use the opportunity to destroy Liu. Xiang Yu changed his decision and pressed the attack on Xingyang, besieging Liu Bang's forces inside the city. To lift the siege, Liu Bang followed Chen Ping
's suggestion to bribe Xiang Yu's men with 40,000 catties of gold, for them to spread rumours that Fan Zeng had the intention of betraying Xiang. Xiang Yu fell for the trick and dismissed Fan Zeng.
In late 204 BC, while Xiang Yu was away suppressing the rebellion in the Qi kingdom
, Li Yiji
advised Liu Bang to use the opportunity to attack Western Chu. The Han forces conquered Chenggao
and defeated the Chu army, led by Cao Jiu, at a battle near the Si River. Liu Bang's forces advanced further until they reached Guangwu. The Chu forces led by Zhongli Mo were trapped by the Han army at the east of Xingyang. Following Han Xin
's victory in the Battle of Wei River
, the Chu army's morale fell and it ran low on supplies months later. Xiang Yu had no choice but to request for an armistice and agreed to release Liu Bang's family members, who were held hostage by him. Both sides came to the Treaty of Hong Canal, which divided China into east and west under the Chu and Han domains respectively.
was retreating eastward, as advised by Zhang Liang and Chen Ping
, Liu Bang renounced the Treaty of Hong Canal and ordered an attack on Western Chu
. He also requested assistance from Han Xin
and Peng Yue
in forming a three-pronged attack on Xiang Yu. However, Han Xin and Peng Yue did not mobilize their troops and Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu at Guling (south of present-day Taikang County, Henan
). Liu Bang retreated and reinforced his defenses, while sending messengers to Han Xin and Peng Yue, promising to grant them fiefs and titles of regional kings if they joined him in attacking Chu.
forces led by Liu Bang, Han Xin
and Peng Yue
, attacked Western Chu
from three directions. The Chu army was running low in supplies and Xiang Yu
was trapped in Gaixia (southeast of present-day Lingbi County
, Henan
). Han Xin ordered his troops to sing Chu folk songs, to create a false impression that Xiang Yu's native land of Chu had fallen to Han forces. The Chu army's morale plummeted and many soldiers deserted.
Xiang Yu attempted to break out the siege and was only left with 26 men when he reached the northern bank of Wu River (near present-day He County
, Chaohu City, Anhui
). Xiang Yu made a last stand and managed to slay several Han soldiers before eventually committing suicide.
, the rest of Western Chu
surrendered to Han
and China
was united under Liu Bang's rule. Liu Bang granted Peng Yue
, Ying Bu and Han Xin
the titles of King of Liang, King of Huainan and King of Chu respectively. Months later, at the urging of his followers and vassals, Liu Bang declared himself "Emperor of China
" and named his dynasty "Han". He built his capital in Luoyang
(later moved to Chang'an
) and named Lü Zhi
his empress, and Liu Ying
as his crown prince.
Although Liu Bang initially handsomely rewarded his subjects who helped him become emperor of China, he gradually became suspicious of them and started to doubt their loyalties towards him. Han Xin was demoted from "King of Chu" to "Marquis of Huaiyin" in late 202 BC. He was subsequently arrested and killed on Empress Lü's orders in 196 BC after Liu Bang suspected him of being plotting a rebellion with Chen Xi. Similarly in that year, Liu Bang believed rumours that Peng Yue was also involved in the rebellion and he demoted Peng to the status of a commoner. Peng Yue was later executed on Empress Lü's orders and his clan was exterminated.
Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state derived its name from its heartland of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4th century BC, during the Warring...
interregnum
Interregnum
An interregnum is a period of discontinuity or "gap" in a government, organization, or social order...
period in Chinese history. Following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
split the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms. Two prominent contending powers, Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
and Han
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
, emerged from these principalities and engaged in a struggle for supremacy over China. Western Chu was led by Xiang Yu, while the Han leader was Liu Bang. During this period of time, several minor kings from the Eighteen Kingdoms also fought battles against each other. These battles were independent of the main conflict between Chu and Han. The war ended with total victory for Han and Liu Bang proclaimed himself emperor and established the Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
.
Background
| Timeline of events | |
| Year | Events |
|---|---|
| 207 BC |
|
| 206 BC |
Feast at Hong Gate The Feast at Hong Gate was a historical event later often memorialized in Chinese history, novels, and drama, including in Beijing opera... Xianyang Xianyang is a former capital of China in Shaanxi province, on the Wei River, a few kilometers upstream from Xi'an. It has an area of... and sacked the city. Chu (state) The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong... to a more honorific title of "Emperor Yi of Chu Emperor Yi of Chu Emperor Yi of Chu , also known as King Huai II of Chu , personal name Xiong Xin was the ruler of the Chu state during the late Qin Dynasty... ", and moved the emperor to Chencheng.
Hán Xìn Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty... left Western Chu and joined Han. Qi (state) Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province....
Han Cheng Han Cheng , also known as Han Wang Cheng in some Chinese historical texts, was a ruler of the Kingdom of Hán of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.-Biography:... (King of Hán Han (state) Han was a kingdom during the Warring States Period in China, located in modern-day Shanxi and Henan. Not to be confused with South Korea which shares the same character.... ). Peng Yue Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally... to conquer the Kingdom of Jibei and kill its ruler Tian An. |
| Start of the Chu–Han contention | |
| Year | Events |
| 206 BC |
Dong Yi (Qin Dynasty) Dong Yi was a military general of the Qin Dynasty. He surrendered to Xiang Yu after the Battle of Julu in 207 BC. In 206 BC, following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, he was conferred the title of "King of Di" by Xiang and given part of the lands in Guanzhong as his fief when the latter split the... (King of Di) and Sima Xin Sima Xin Sima Xin was a military general of the Qin Dynasty. He surrendered to Xiang Yu after the Battle of Julu in 207 BC. In 206 BC, following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, he was conferred the title of "King of Sai" by Xiang and given part of the lands in Guanzhong as his fief when the latter split... (King of Sai) surrendered to Han. Zang Tu Zang Tu was a Chinese warlord who lived in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.-Biography:Zang was originally a military general serving under Han Guang, king of Yan... (King of Yan Yan (state) Yān was a state during the Western Zhou, Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods of Chinese history. Its capital was Ji... ) killed Han Guang Han Guang Han Guang was a ruler of the Kingdom of Liaodong of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.... (King of Liaodong). Zheng Chang Zheng Chang was a ruler of the Kingdom of Hán of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Zheng was initially the magistrate of Wu County during the Qin Dynasty. He was an acquaintance of Xiang Yu, and followed the latter in rebelling against Qin around 209 BC... as King of Hán. Zhao Tuo Zhao Tuo , was the founder of the kingdom of Nanyue |Zhao]]. The state of Zhao was defeated and absorbed by the state of Qin in 222 BC, whereupon Zhao Tuo became a citizen of the state of Qin. He later served in a Qin expeditionary force that was sent south... proclaimed himself "King Wu of Nanyue Nanyue Nanyue was an ancient kingdom that consisted of parts of the modern Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan and northern Vietnam. Nanyue was established in 204 BC at the final collapse of the Qin Dynasty by Zhao Tuo, who was the military commander of Nanhai Commandery at the time, and... ". Shen Yang of Henan Shen Yang was the ruler of the Kingdom of Henan of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Shen was from Xiaqiu . He was originally a subordinate of Zhang Er, the Left Chancellor of the insurgent Zhao kingdom. After the fall of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BC, Xiang... (King of Henan) surrendered to Han. Zhao (state) Zhao was a significant Chinese state during the Warring States Period, along with six others...
|
| 205 BC |
Xiang Yu Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu .... attacked Tian Rong. Tian Rong retreated to Pingyuan Pingyuan County, Shandong Pingyuan County is a county of northwestern Shandong province, People's Republic of China. It is administered by Dezhou City. It has an area of .- History :... and was killed there. Xiang Yu appointed Tian Jia as King of Qi Qi (state) Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province.... . Wei (state) The State of Wei was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state during the Warring States Period of Chinese history. Its territory lay between the states of Qin and Qi and included parts of modern day Henan, Hebei, Shanxi and Shandong... ) surrendered to Han Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang... . Sima Ang Sima Ang was a ruler of the Kingdom of Yin of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Sima was originally a general of insurgent Zhao kingdom during the Qin Dynasty. After the fall of Qin in 206 BC, Xiang Yu divided the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen... (King of Yin) was captured by Han forces.
Battle of Pengcheng The Battle of Pengcheng was fought in Pengcheng in 205 BC between Chu forces led by Xiang Yu and Han forces led by Liu Bang. The Han forces were unprepared and suffered heavy losses...
Peng Yue Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally... joined Han.
Emperor Hui of Han Emperor Hui of Han was the second emperor of the Han Dynasty in China. He was the second son of the first Han emperor, Han Gaozu and Empress Dowager Lü. He is generally remembered as a weak character dominated by his mother, Empress Dowager Lü, personally kind and generous but unable to escape... as his crown prince.
Hán Xìn Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty... conquered the Kingdom of Dai and captured its chancellor Xia Shuo. Yan (state) Yān was a state during the Western Zhou, Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods of Chinese history. Its capital was Ji... surrendered to Han Xin. |
| 204 BC |
Chu (state) The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong... attacked Han Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang... supply lines. Xiang Yu Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu .... dismissed Fan Zeng Fan Zeng Fan Zeng was an advisor to Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.-Starting his career:Fan Zeng was a native of Juchao . He had a keen interest towards military strategy and politics... after falling for Chen Ping Chen Ping (Han Dynasty) Chen Ping was an adviser to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention period of Chinese history. After Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty and became known as Emperor Gaozu, Chen Ping served as a chancellor and received titles of a marquis.-Biography:Chen Ping was a native of Huyou Town , Yangwu... 's trick. Fan Zeng died of illness during his journey home.
Peng Yue Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally... defeated Chu forces at Xiapi. Zhao (state) Zhao was a significant Chinese state during the Warring States Period, along with six others... . Liu Bang took over Han Xin Hán Xìn Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty... and Zhang Er's command of the Han army in Zhao. Gong Ao Gong Ao was a ruler of the Kingdom of Linjiang of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Gong descended from a noble family of the Chu state. He served King Huai II of the insurgent Chu kingdom that was established in the final years of the Qin Dynasty... (King of Linjiang) died and was succeeded by his son Gong Wei Gong Wei Gong Wei was a ruler of the Kingdom of Linjiang of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Gong's father, Gong Ao, received his fief and title of "King of Linjiang" from Xiang Yu in 206 BC when Xiang divided the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms... . Li Yiji Li Yiji was an advisor to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention.-Biography:Li Yiji was from Gaoyang, Chenliu . He joined Liu Bang around 207 BC during the insurrection against the Qin Dynasty... to the Qi Qi (state) Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province.... to persuade Tian Guang (King of Qi) to surrender to Han.
Lixia District Lixia is a suburban district of the province of Shandong, China. It is administered by the subprovincial town of Jinan. It has an area of 100.89 km² and, in 2003, had 583,500 inhabitants.- External links :*... and Linzi Linzi Linzi was the capital of Qi from 859 BC to 221 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period in China. The ruins of the city lie in modern day Linzi District, Shandong, China. The city was one of the largest and richest in China during the Spring and Autumn Period... (Qi's capital). Li Yiji was executed by Tian Guang. Battle of Wei River The Battle of Wei River was fought in 204 BC between the Han and a combined force of Qi and Western Chu. The famous general Han Xin led the Han force, while the Qi were led by Prince Tian Guang , and the Chu were led by Long Ju...
|
| 203 BC |
Hán Xìn Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty... as King of Qi Qi (state) Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province.... . King of Huainan King of Huainan was a noble title during the Han Dynasty in China. It was created by Liu Bang, King of Han, later Emperor Gao of Han in 202 BC for Ying Bu , former King of Jiujiang. Ying Bu rebelled against Emperor Gao of Han in 196 BC and was killed in action... . Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang... . |
| 202 BC |
|
| End of the Chu–Han contention | |
| Year | Events |
| 202 BC |
Emperor of China The Emperor of China refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning between the founding of Qin Dynasty of China, united by the King of Qin in 221 BCE, and the fall of Yuan Shikai's Empire of China in 1916. When referred to as the Son of Heaven , a title that predates the Qin unification, the... and became known as "Emperor Gaozu of Han". Luoyang Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of... . |
In 221 BC, the Qin state
Qin (state)
The State of Qin was a Chinese feudal state that existed during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods of Chinese history...
unified China by conquering the six other major states and established the Qin Dynasty
Qin Dynasty
The Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state derived its name from its heartland of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4th century BC, during the Warring...
. However, the dynasty lasted 16 years only as its rule was extremely unpopular with the people for its oppressive policies. In 209 BC, Chen Sheng
Chen Sheng
Chen Sheng , also known in some sources as Chen She , was the leader of the first rebellion, known as Daze Village Uprising, against the Qin Dynasty during the reign of Qin Er Shi.-Start of the rebellion:...
led the Daze Village Uprising to overthrow the Qin Dynasty. Although the uprising was crushed, several other rebellions erupted consecutively all around China over the next three years. Many rebel forces claimed to be restoring the former six states
Seven Warring States
The Seven Warring States or Seven Kingdoms refers to the seven warring states in China during the Warring States period of Chinese history...
and numerous pretenders to the thrones of the states emerged, resulting in the formation of many insurgent states. In 206 BC, the last Qin ruler, Ziying
Ziying
Ziying was the last ruler of the Qin Dynasty of China, ruling as King of Qin from mid-October to the beginning of December 207 BC, and being known posthumously as Qin San Shi...
, surrendered to Liu Bang, bringing an end to the Qin Dynasty.
Among all the rebel forces, the most powerful one was the Kingdom of Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
. Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
, the commander of the Chu army, won the support of many other rebel leaders after his outstanding victory at the Battle of Julu
Battle of Julu
The Battle of Julu was fought in Julu in 207 BC primarily between Qin forces led by Zhang Han, and Chu rebels led by Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu emerged victorious, defeating a large Qin army with a small number of soldiers...
, and served as a de facto
De facto
De facto is a Latin expression that means "concerning fact." In law, it often means "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law" or "in practice or actuality, but not officially established." It is commonly used in contrast to de jure when referring to matters of law, governance, or...
leader of all the rebel forces. Upon the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, Xiang divided the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms, each governed by a regional king, and gave King Huai II of Chu a more honorific title, "Emperor Yi of Chu
Emperor Yi of Chu
Emperor Yi of Chu , also known as King Huai II of Chu , personal name Xiong Xin was the ruler of the Chu state during the late Qin Dynasty...
". However, the emperor was merely a puppet ruler, as the power of Chu was in the hands of Xiang Yu. About a year later, Xiang Yu relocated Emperor Yi to the remote area of Chen County (present-day Chenzhou
Chenzhou
Chenzhou is a city located in the southern area of Hunan province, People's Republic of China. Its administrative area covers , 9.2% of the provincial area, and its total population reached 4,559,600 as of 2001, 26% of them living in urban areas, 74% of them live in rural areas.-History:Chenzhou...
, Hunan
Hunan
' is a province of South-Central China, located to the south of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and south of Lake Dongting...
), effectively sending the puppet ruler into exile. He issued a secret order for the regional kings there to murder the emperor during the journey.
During the division of the Eighteen Kingdoms, Xiang Yu appointed some rebel generals as regional kings, even though these generals were subordinates of other lords, who should rightfully be the kings instead. Besides, the Guanzhong
Guanzhong
Guanzhong , or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by...
region was granted to three surrendered Qin generals
Three Qins
The Three Qins refer to three of the Eighteen Kingdoms, formed from the division of the empire after the collapse of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BC...
, even though the land was rightfully Liu Bang's, according to an earlier agreement, which stated that the person who conquered Xianyang first would receive the title of "King of Guanzhong". Liu Bang was sent to the remote Bashu region (in present-day Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
) instead and granted the title of "King of Han
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
". Xiang Yu proclaimed himself "Hegemon-King of Western Chu" and ruled nine commanderies in the former Liang
Liang (state)
The State of Liang was one of the states during the Spring and Autumn Period , bordering the State of Qin and was conquered by Duke Mu of Qin in 641 BCE. The rulers of the State of Liang has the surname Ying , similar to the neighboring State of Qin...
and Chu territories, with his capital at Pengcheng (present-day Xuzhou
Xuzhou
Xuzhou , otherwise known as Pengcheng in ancient times, is a major city in and the fourth largest prefecture-level city of Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China...
).
Rebellions in Qi and Zhao
In 206 BC Liu Bang was granted the title of "King of HanHan Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
" by Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
and given the land of Bashu (in present-day Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
) as his domain. Liu Bang had about 30,000 troops under his command then and several thousands of civilians with him. After reaching his destination, Liu Bang ordered the gallery road
Gallery road
The archaeological gallery roads were roads through remote mountain areas of China. They consisted of wooden planks erected on holes cut into the sides of cliffs. They were most notably used in the Qin Mountains linking the Wei River and the Han River valleys. The first gallery roads were built...
s leading into Bashu to be destroyed as a precautionary move against any possible attack from the rear and to trick Xiang Yu that he had no intention of leaving Bashu.
Meanwhile, in the former Qi state
Qi (state)
Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province....
, Tian Rong (chancellor of Qi) was unhappy with Xiang Yu's allocation of Qi's territories, and rose in rebellion against the regional kings of Jiaodong, Qi and Jibei (collectively known as the Three Qis). Tian Rong conquered the Three Qis and reinstated Tian Fu as the King of Qi, but took over the throne himself later. Tian Rong put Peng Yue
Peng Yue
Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally...
in charge of his army and ordered Peng to attack Western Chu. Tian Rong also sent troops to support another rebellion in the former Zhao state
Zhao (state)
Zhao was a significant Chinese state during the Warring States Period, along with six others...
, led by Chen Yu, a former vice chancellor of Zhao. In 205 BC, Chen Yu overthrew Zhang Er, the King of Changshan, and seized Zhang's domain and reinstalled Zhao Xie (King of Dai) on the throne of Zhao. Xiang Yu felt threatened by the rebellions in Qi and Zhao and led an army to attack Tian Rong.
Han conquest of Three Qins
While Xiang YuXiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
was away to suppress the rebellions, Liu Bang used the opportunity to attack the Three Qins
Three Qins
The Three Qins refer to three of the Eighteen Kingdoms, formed from the division of the empire after the collapse of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BC...
in Guanzhong
Guanzhong
Guanzhong , or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by...
. Liu Bang's general Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
ordered his men to pretend to repair the gallery roads in order to put Zhang Han (King of Yong) off guard, while secretly making advances through Chencang
Chencang District
Chencang District is a district of Baoji, Shaanxi, China....
. Zhang Han was taken by surprise and defeated by the Han forces in two consecutive battles. Taking advantage of the victory, Liu Bang proceeded to conquer Longxi, Beidi and Shangjun. Liu Bang also sent his men to fetch his family in Pei (in present-day Xuzhou
Xuzhou
Xuzhou , otherwise known as Pengcheng in ancient times, is a major city in and the fourth largest prefecture-level city of Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China...
). Upon hearing news of Liu Bang's attacks, Xiang Yu sent an army to Yangxia to intercept the Han army, and appointed Zheng Chang
Zheng Chang
Zheng Chang was a ruler of the Kingdom of Hán of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Zheng was initially the magistrate of Wu County during the Qin Dynasty. He was an acquaintance of Xiang Yu, and followed the latter in rebelling against Qin around 209 BC...
as King of Hán
Han (state)
Han was a kingdom during the Warring States Period in China, located in modern-day Shanxi and Henan. Not to be confused with South Korea which shares the same character....
to help him cover his flank. In Yan
Yan (state)
Yān was a state during the Western Zhou, Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods of Chinese history. Its capital was Ji...
, Zang Tu
Zang Tu
Zang Tu was a Chinese warlord who lived in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.-Biography:Zang was originally a military general serving under Han Guang, king of Yan...
killed Han Guang
Han Guang
Han Guang was a ruler of the Kingdom of Liaodong of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history....
(King of Liaodong) and seized Han's lands and proclaimed himself ruler of the unified Yan state.
Battle of Pengcheng
In 205 BC, after consolidating his base in GuanzhongGuanzhong
Guanzhong , or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by...
, Liu Bang advanced his forces east of Hangu Pass
Hangu Pass
Hangu Pass was a strategic pass in ancient China just south of the great eastern bend of the Yellow River in today's Lingbao, Henan Province...
to conquer the Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
region. Sima Xin
Sima Xin
Sima Xin was a military general of the Qin Dynasty. He surrendered to Xiang Yu after the Battle of Julu in 207 BC. In 206 BC, following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, he was conferred the title of "King of Sai" by Xiang and given part of the lands in Guanzhong as his fief when the latter split...
(King of Sai), Dong Yi
Dong Yi (Qin Dynasty)
Dong Yi was a military general of the Qin Dynasty. He surrendered to Xiang Yu after the Battle of Julu in 207 BC. In 206 BC, following the collapse of the Qin Dynasty, he was conferred the title of "King of Di" by Xiang and given part of the lands in Guanzhong as his fief when the latter split the...
(King of Di) and Shen Yang
Shen Yang of Henan
Shen Yang was the ruler of the Kingdom of Henan of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Shen was from Xiaqiu . He was originally a subordinate of Zhang Er, the Left Chancellor of the insurgent Zhao kingdom. After the fall of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BC, Xiang...
(King of Henan) surrendered to Liu Bang. Zheng Chang
Zheng Chang
Zheng Chang was a ruler of the Kingdom of Hán of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.Zheng was initially the magistrate of Wu County during the Qin Dynasty. He was an acquaintance of Xiang Yu, and followed the latter in rebelling against Qin around 209 BC...
(King of Hán
Han (state)
Han was a kingdom during the Warring States Period in China, located in modern-day Shanxi and Henan. Not to be confused with South Korea which shares the same character....
) refused to submit to Liu Bang and was defeated by Liu's general Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
in battle, and replaced by Hán Xin. Zhang Er (former King of Changshan) came to join Liu Bang after losing his domain to Zhao Xie and Chen Yu. In the third month, Liu Bang attacked Henei with help from Wei Bao (King of Western Wei). When Liu Bang received news that Emperor Yi of Chu
Emperor Yi of Chu
Emperor Yi of Chu , also known as King Huai II of Chu , personal name Xiong Xin was the ruler of the Chu state during the late Qin Dynasty...
had been murdered on Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
's orders, he held a memorial service for the emperor, accusing Xiang of committing regicide, and using that incident as political propaganda to justify his war against Western Chu.
In the fourth month of 205 BC, Xiang Yu defeated Tian Rong at Chengyang
Chengyang District
Chengyang is a district of Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China. It has an area of and around 447,000 inhabitants .- External links :*...
and the latter was killed during his retreat to Pingyuan. Although the Qi kingdom
Qi (state)
Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province....
surrendered to Western Chu, Xiang Yu did not appease the people and instead allowed his troops to loot and plunder Qi territories. Tian Rong's younger brother, Tian Heng, installed Tian Guang (son of Tian Rong) on the throne of Qi, and continued to lead resistance against Chu. Meanwhile, Liu Bang had mustered an army of about 560,000 men with support from the surrendered regional kings. In the eight month, Chu's capital Pengcheng (present-day Xuzhou
Xuzhou
Xuzhou , otherwise known as Pengcheng in ancient times, is a major city in and the fourth largest prefecture-level city of Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China...
) fell to the coalition force led by Liu Bang. When Xiang Yu received news that Liu Bang had occupied Pengcheng, he led 30,000 troops back to retake Pengcheng. Liu Bang was caught off guard and his army suffered heavy casualties and his family was captured by Chu forces. After the battle, Han lost its territorial gains in Chu and most of the kings who surrendered to Han earlier defected to Chu.
Battle of Jingsuo
After their defeat at Pengcheng, the strength of the HanHan Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
forces decreased drastically. Liu Bang's family was captured by Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
forces and kept as hostages, and many of the regional kings who surrendered to Liu Bang earlier defected to Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
's side. Besides, the Qi
Qi (state)
Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province....
and Zhao
Zhao (state)
Zhao was a significant Chinese state during the Warring States Period, along with six others...
kingdoms also requested for peace negotiations with Chu.
Upon reaching Xiayi (present-day Xiayi County
Xiayi County
Xiayi County is a county of Shangqiu city, Henan province, People's Republic of China, with the population of about ??,????....
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
), which was defended by his brother-in-law, Liu Bang reorganized his troops for a retreat. When he arrived at Yu (present-day Yucheng County
Yucheng County
Yucheng County is a county located in the east of Henan province, People's Republic of China in Shangqiu city, with a population of approximately 1.08 million and an aera of ....
, Henan), Liu Bang sent an envoy to meet Ying Bu (or Qing Bu), the King of Jiujiang. Ying Bu agreed to join Liu Bang's side and rebelled against Western Chu. Xiang Yu sent Long Ju
Long Ju
Long Ju was a military general who served Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.-Biography:Long Ju was a childhood friend of Xiang Yu and they were said to be as close as brothers. When Xiang Liang rebelled against the Qin Dynasty around 208 BC, Long Ju followed...
to lead an army to attack Ying Bu.
In the sixth month of 205 BC, Liu Bang named his son, Liu Ying (future Emperor Hui of Han
Emperor Hui of Han
Emperor Hui of Han was the second emperor of the Han Dynasty in China. He was the second son of the first Han emperor, Han Gaozu and Empress Dowager Lü. He is generally remembered as a weak character dominated by his mother, Empress Dowager Lü, personally kind and generous but unable to escape...
), as his crown prince, and ordered him to defend Liyang (present-day Yanliang District
Yanliang District
Yanliang District is a district of Xi'an, Shaanxi, China....
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
). Shortly after, Han forces conquered Feiqiu (present-day Xingping
Xingping
Xingping is a city and district of Xianyang, Shaanxi, China....
, Shaanxi), which was guarded by Zhang Han, and Zhang committed suicide.
On another front, Ying Bu was unable to defeat Long Ju and decided to give up, and he went to meet Liu Bang with Sui He. Liu Bang reorganized his army, which now included the reinforcements from Guanzhong
Guanzhong
Guanzhong , or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by...
(sent by Xiao He
Xiao He
Xiao He was a Chinese statesman who lived during the early Han Dynasty. He served Liu Bang during the insurrection against the Qin Dynasty, and fought on Liu's side in the Chu–Han contention against Xiang Yu. After the founding of the Han Dynasty, Xiao He became chancellor and held office until...
) and Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
's troops. Liu Bang's forces attacked Western Chu at Jing County (near present-day Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
) and Suoting (near present-day Xingyang
Xingyang
Xingyang , is one of county-level cities of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. It is 15 kilometers in the west of Zhengzhou city and is the nearest city to Zhengzhou as well...
) and scored a victory, driving Xiang Yu's forces east of Xingyang.
Battle of Anyi
In 205 BC Wei Bao (King of WeiWei (state)
The State of Wei was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state during the Warring States Period of Chinese history. Its territory lay between the states of Qin and Qi and included parts of modern day Henan, Hebei, Shanxi and Shandong...
) left Liu Bang on the pretext of visiting an ill relative, and returned to his domain. Subsequently, Wei pledged allegiance to Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
and rebelled against Liu Bang. Liu Bang sent Li Yiji
Li Yiji
Li Yiji was an advisor to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention.-Biography:Li Yiji was from Gaoyang, Chenliu . He joined Liu Bang around 207 BC during the insurrection against the Qin Dynasty...
to persuade Wei Bao to surrender but Wei refused, so Liu ordered Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
to lead an army to attack Wei.
Wei Bao stationed his army at Puban and blocked the route to Linjin. Han Xin tricked Wei Bao into believing that he was planning to attack Linjin, while secretly sending a force from Xiayang to cross the river and attack Anyi (present-day Xia County, Shanxi
Shanxi
' is a province in Northern China. Its one-character abbreviation is "晋" , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
). In the ninth month, Wei Bao personally led an attack on Han Xin but lost the battle and was captured. Wei Bao surrendered and was accepted by Liu Bang as a general. In the ninth month, Han Xin led his army to attack the Kingdom of Dai with support from Zhang Er (former King of Changshan), and scored another decisive victory against Dai, capturing Dai's chancellor Xia Shuo in battle.
Battle of Jingxing
After attaining victory over the Dai kingdom, Han XinHán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
and Zhang Er led an army to attack the Zhao kingdom
Zhao (state)
Zhao was a significant Chinese state during the Warring States Period, along with six others...
at Jingxing Pass. Zhao Xie (King of Zhao) and his chancellor Chen Yu led a 200,000 strong army to resist the Han forces. The Zhao general Li Zuojun proposed a plan to trap Han Xin within 10 days: Li Zuojun would lead 30,000 men to disrupt Han's supply route and block his return route, while Chen Yu would defend the frontline firmly and prevent Han Xin from advancing. However, Chen Yu refused to accept Li Zuojun's plan.
The evening before the battle, Han Xin sent a 2,000 strong light cavalry unit, each man carrying a flag of the Han army, to station near the Zhao camp. The next morning, Han Xin feigned defeat in the early skirmish with the Zhao troops, luring them to follow him, while his 2,000 men proceeded to capture the Zhao camp. Meanwhile, the Zhao soldiers retreated after failing to conquer Han Xin's fort, and were surprised to see that their camp had been overrun by Han forces. The Zhao army fell into chaos and Han Xin seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack and scored a major victory. Chen Yu was killed in action while Zhao Xie and Li Zuojun were captured.
Battle of Wei River
In 204 BC the Yan kingdomYan (state)
Yān was a state during the Western Zhou, Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods of Chinese history. Its capital was Ji...
surrendered to Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
, and Zhang Er was appointed as King of Zhao
Zhao (state)
Zhao was a significant Chinese state during the Warring States Period, along with six others...
. Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
constantly sent its armies to attack Zhao but Han Xin and Zhang Er managed to hold their positions. Xiang Yu then turned its attention towards Xingyang
Xingyang
Xingyang , is one of county-level cities of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. It is 15 kilometers in the west of Zhengzhou city and is the nearest city to Zhengzhou as well...
, where Liu Bang was stationed, and forced Liu to retreat to Chenggao
Chenggao
Chenggao is an ancient city in present day Sishui, which is under the jurisdiction of Xingyang City in Henan Province, People's Republic of China.-References:*Romance of the Three Kingdoms/Chapter 4...
. Liu Bang was besieged in Chenggao and had no choice but to head north of the Yellow River
Yellow River
The Yellow River or Huang He, formerly known as the Hwang Ho, is the second-longest river in China and the sixth-longest in the world at the estimated length of . Originating in the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai Province in western China, it flows through nine provinces of China and empties into...
to join Han Xin. Liu Bang took over Han Xin and Zhang Er's command of the military in Zhao, and ordered Han to lead an army to attack the Qi kingdom
Qi (state)
Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province....
.
Just as Han Xin was preparing to attack Qi, Liu Bang sent Li Yiji
Li Yiji
Li Yiji was an advisor to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention.-Biography:Li Yiji was from Gaoyang, Chenliu . He joined Liu Bang around 207 BC during the insurrection against the Qin Dynasty...
to persuade Tian Guang (King of Qi) to surrender, without informing Han. Tian Guang decided to surrender and ordered his troops to withdraw from Lixia
Lixia District
Lixia is a suburban district of the province of Shandong, China. It is administered by the subprovincial town of Jinan. It has an area of 100.89 km² and, in 2003, had 583,500 inhabitants.- External links :*...
. However, Han Xin was not aware that Tian Guang had the intention of surrendering, and followed the advice of Kuai Tong to launch an attack. Han Xin's army conquered Lixia and arrived at Qi's capital Linzi
Linzi
Linzi was the capital of Qi from 859 BC to 221 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period in China. The ruins of the city lie in modern day Linzi District, Shandong, China. The city was one of the largest and richest in China during the Spring and Autumn Period...
. Tian Guang thought that Li Yiji had lied to him and he had Li killed, after which he retreated to Gaomi
Gaomi
Gaomi is a county-level city of the People's Republic of China province of Shandong under Weifang . It is the hometown of writer Mo Yan, who has set some of his stories in the region....
and requested help from Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
. Meanwhile, Han Xin conquered Linzi and continued to pursue the retreating Qi forces to Gaomi.
Xiang Yu sent Long Ju
Long Ju
Long Ju was a military general who served Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.-Biography:Long Ju was a childhood friend of Xiang Yu and they were said to be as close as brothers. When Xiang Liang rebelled against the Qin Dynasty around 208 BC, Long Ju followed...
to lead a 200,000 strong army to help Tian Guang. The allied forces of Qi and Chu lost to Han in the first battle. Someone advised Long Ju to avoid engaging Han Xin directly and focus on strengthening their defenses, while asking Tian Guang to rally support from the Qi cities that had fallen to Han. In that case, the Han army would eventually be deprived of supplies and be forced to surrender. However, Long Ju rejected the proposal and insisted on taking on Han Xin. In 203 BC, on the night before the battle, Han Xin sent his men to dam the Wei River with sandbags. The next morning, after a skirmish with Long Ju's forces, Han Xin feigned retreat, luring Long to follow him. When about a quarter of the Chu army had crossed the river, Han Xin signaled for his men to open the dam, drowning many Chu soldiers and isolating Long Ju with only a fraction of his force. Taking advantage of the situation, Han Xin launched a counter attack. Long Ju was killed in action and the rest of the Chu army disintegrated as Han Xin continued pressing the attack. Tian Guang fled and Han Xin continued pursuing the retreating enemy to Chengyang
Chengyang District
Chengyang is a district of Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China. It has an area of and around 447,000 inhabitants .- External links :*...
.
After his victory, Han Xin swiftly took control of the Qi territories and he sent an envoy to Liu Bang, requesting that Liu let him be the acting King of Qi. At that time, Liu Bang was besieged in Xingyang
Xingyang
Xingyang , is one of county-level cities of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. It is 15 kilometers in the west of Zhengzhou city and is the nearest city to Zhengzhou as well...
by Xiang Yu, and eagerly waiting for reinforcements from Han Xin, but Han made a request to be an acting king instead, which greatly angered Liu. However, Liu Bang reluctantly approved Han Xin's request after listening to advice from Zhang Liang and Chen Ping
Chen Ping (Han Dynasty)
Chen Ping was an adviser to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention period of Chinese history. After Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty and became known as Emperor Gaozu, Chen Ping served as a chancellor and received titles of a marquis.-Biography:Chen Ping was a native of Huyou Town , Yangwu...
. At the same time, Xiang Yu became worried after losing Long Ju and he sent Wu She to persuade Han Xin to rebel against Liu Bang and declare himself king. However, despite additional urging from Kuai Tong, Han Xin firmly refused to betray Liu Bang. Han Xin later organized an army to move southward and attack Western Chu.
Battle of Chenggao
On the southern front, the Liu Bang's forces started building supply routes from XingyangXingyang
Xingyang , is one of county-level cities of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. It is 15 kilometers in the west of Zhengzhou city and is the nearest city to Zhengzhou as well...
to Aocang. In 204 BC, Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
led an attack on the routes and the Han
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
army started to run short of supplies. Liu Bang negotiated for peace with Xiang Yu and agreed to cede the lands east of Xingyang to Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
. Xiang Yu had the intention of accepting Liu Bang's offer, but Fan Zeng
Fan Zeng
Fan Zeng was an advisor to Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history.-Starting his career:Fan Zeng was a native of Juchao . He had a keen interest towards military strategy and politics...
advised him to reject and urged him to use the opportunity to destroy Liu. Xiang Yu changed his decision and pressed the attack on Xingyang, besieging Liu Bang's forces inside the city. To lift the siege, Liu Bang followed Chen Ping
Chen Ping (Han Dynasty)
Chen Ping was an adviser to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention period of Chinese history. After Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty and became known as Emperor Gaozu, Chen Ping served as a chancellor and received titles of a marquis.-Biography:Chen Ping was a native of Huyou Town , Yangwu...
's suggestion to bribe Xiang Yu's men with 40,000 catties of gold, for them to spread rumours that Fan Zeng had the intention of betraying Xiang. Xiang Yu fell for the trick and dismissed Fan Zeng.
In late 204 BC, while Xiang Yu was away suppressing the rebellion in the Qi kingdom
Qi (state)
Qi was a powerful state during the Spring and Autumn Period and Period of the Warring States in ancient China. Its capital was Linzi, now part of the modern day city of Zibo in Shandong Province....
, Li Yiji
Li Yiji
Li Yiji was an advisor to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention.-Biography:Li Yiji was from Gaoyang, Chenliu . He joined Liu Bang around 207 BC during the insurrection against the Qin Dynasty...
advised Liu Bang to use the opportunity to attack Western Chu. The Han forces conquered Chenggao
Chenggao
Chenggao is an ancient city in present day Sishui, which is under the jurisdiction of Xingyang City in Henan Province, People's Republic of China.-References:*Romance of the Three Kingdoms/Chapter 4...
and defeated the Chu army, led by Cao Jiu, at a battle near the Si River. Liu Bang's forces advanced further until they reached Guangwu. The Chu forces led by Zhongli Mo were trapped by the Han army at the east of Xingyang. Following Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
's victory in the Battle of Wei River
Battle of Wei River
The Battle of Wei River was fought in 204 BC between the Han and a combined force of Qi and Western Chu. The famous general Han Xin led the Han force, while the Qi were led by Prince Tian Guang , and the Chu were led by Long Ju...
, the Chu army's morale fell and it ran low on supplies months later. Xiang Yu had no choice but to request for an armistice and agreed to release Liu Bang's family members, who were held hostage by him. Both sides came to the Treaty of Hong Canal, which divided China into east and west under the Chu and Han domains respectively.
End of the conflict
In 203 BC, while Xiang YuXiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
was retreating eastward, as advised by Zhang Liang and Chen Ping
Chen Ping (Han Dynasty)
Chen Ping was an adviser to Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention period of Chinese history. After Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty and became known as Emperor Gaozu, Chen Ping served as a chancellor and received titles of a marquis.-Biography:Chen Ping was a native of Huyou Town , Yangwu...
, Liu Bang renounced the Treaty of Hong Canal and ordered an attack on Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
. He also requested assistance from Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
and Peng Yue
Peng Yue
Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally...
in forming a three-pronged attack on Xiang Yu. However, Han Xin and Peng Yue did not mobilize their troops and Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu at Guling (south of present-day Taikang County, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
). Liu Bang retreated and reinforced his defenses, while sending messengers to Han Xin and Peng Yue, promising to grant them fiefs and titles of regional kings if they joined him in attacking Chu.
Battle of Gaixia
Three months later in 202 BC, HanHan Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
forces led by Liu Bang, Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
and Peng Yue
Peng Yue
Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally...
, attacked Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
from three directions. The Chu army was running low in supplies and Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
was trapped in Gaixia (southeast of present-day Lingbi County
Lingbi County
Lingbi County is a county of Anhui Province, China. It is under the administration of Suzhou city....
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
). Han Xin ordered his troops to sing Chu folk songs, to create a false impression that Xiang Yu's native land of Chu had fallen to Han forces. The Chu army's morale plummeted and many soldiers deserted.
Xiang Yu attempted to break out the siege and was only left with 26 men when he reached the northern bank of Wu River (near present-day He County
He County
He County is a district of Anhui Province, People's Republic of China, under the jurisdiction of Ma'anshan City. It has a population of 650,000 and an area of...
, Chaohu City, Anhui
Anhui
Anhui is a province in the People's Republic of China. Located in eastern China across the basins of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, it borders Jiangsu to the east, Zhejiang to the southeast, Jiangxi to the south, Hubei to the southwest, Henan to the northwest, and Shandong for a tiny...
). Xiang Yu made a last stand and managed to slay several Han soldiers before eventually committing suicide.
Aftermath
After the death of Xiang YuXiang Yu
Xiang Yu was a prominent military leader and political figure during the late Qin Dynasty. His given name was Ji while his style name was Yu ....
, the rest of Western Chu
Chu (state)
The State of Chu was a Zhou Dynasty vassal state in present-day central and southern China during the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States Period . Its ruling house had the surname Nai , and clan name Yan , later evolved to surname Mi , and clan name Xiong...
surrendered to Han
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
and China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
was united under Liu Bang's rule. Liu Bang granted Peng Yue
Peng Yue
Peng Yue , style name Zhong , was a prominent military leader and political figure in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han contention and served Liu Bang as an ally...
, Ying Bu and Han Xin
Hán Xìn
Han Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
the titles of King of Liang, King of Huainan and King of Chu respectively. Months later, at the urging of his followers and vassals, Liu Bang declared himself "Emperor of China
Emperor of China
The Emperor of China refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning between the founding of Qin Dynasty of China, united by the King of Qin in 221 BCE, and the fall of Yuan Shikai's Empire of China in 1916. When referred to as the Son of Heaven , a title that predates the Qin unification, the...
" and named his dynasty "Han". He built his capital in Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
(later moved to Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
) and named Lü Zhi
Empress Lü Zhi
Empress Lü Zhi , commonly known as Empress Dowager Lü or formally as Empress Gao , courtesy name Exu , was the wife and empress of Emperor Gaozu of Han, founder of the Han Dynasty. They had two known children—the eventual Emperor Hui and Princess Luyuan...
his empress, and Liu Ying
Emperor Hui of Han
Emperor Hui of Han was the second emperor of the Han Dynasty in China. He was the second son of the first Han emperor, Han Gaozu and Empress Dowager Lü. He is generally remembered as a weak character dominated by his mother, Empress Dowager Lü, personally kind and generous but unable to escape...
as his crown prince.
Although Liu Bang initially handsomely rewarded his subjects who helped him become emperor of China, he gradually became suspicious of them and started to doubt their loyalties towards him. Han Xin was demoted from "King of Chu" to "Marquis of Huaiyin" in late 202 BC. He was subsequently arrested and killed on Empress Lü's orders in 196 BC after Liu Bang suspected him of being plotting a rebellion with Chen Xi. Similarly in that year, Liu Bang believed rumours that Peng Yue was also involved in the rebellion and he demoted Peng to the status of a commoner. Peng Yue was later executed on Empress Lü's orders and his clan was exterminated.
Modern references
- Chinese chessXiangqiXiangqi is a two-player Chinese board game in the same family as Western chess, chaturanga, shogi, Indian chess and janggi. The present-day form of Xiangqi originated in China and is therefore commonly called Chinese chess in English. Xiangqi is one of the most popular board games in China...
is often seen as an allegory to the Chu–Han contention. The middle section of the chess board that divides the players' sides is called the "Chu–Han border" (楚河漢界; literally "Chu river and Han border"). The red and black sides represent Han and Western Chu respectively.
- The Beijing operaBeijing operaPeking opera or Beijing opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century. The form was extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty court...
Farewell My ConcubineFarewell My Concubine (play)Farewell My Concubine is a Chinese Peking Opera. A more literal translation of the Chinese title is The Hegemon King says Farewell to his Queen....
(霸王别姬) depicts the events of Xiang Yu's defeat at the Battle of GaixiaBattle of GaixiaThe Battle of Gaixia was a Chinese battle in 202 BC, during the Chu-Han contention between rival rulers of China which followed the collapse of the Qin Dynasty...
and his romance with Consort Yu. The title of the play was borrowed as the Chinese title for Chen KaigeChen KaigeChen Kaige is a Chinese film director and a leading figure of the fifth generation of Chinese cinema. His films are known for their visual flair and epic storytelling.-Early life:...
's award-winning film.
- Some Chinese idioms and proverbs originated from the events in the Chu–Han contention. Some examples are listed as follows:
- This child can be taught (孺子可教)
- Breaking cauldrons and sinking boats (破釜沉舟)
- Feast at Hong GateFeast at Hong GateThe Feast at Hong Gate was a historical event later often memorialized in Chinese history, novels, and drama, including in Beijing opera...
(鴻門宴) - Pretending to repair the gallery roads while secretly passing through Chencang (明修棧道, 暗度陳倉)
- Traveling at night in glamourous garments (錦衣夜行)
- Fighting a battle with one's back facing a river (背水一戰)
- Ambush on ten sides (十面埋伏)
- Surrounded by Chu songs (四面楚歌)
- Success and defeat are due to Xiao He (成敗蕭何)
Film and television
- The BattlefieldThe Battlefield (1985 TV series)The Battlefield is a Hong Kong television series based on the events in the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history. It was first broadcast in 1985 in Hong Kong on TVB.-Plot:...
(1985), a Hong Kong television series produced by TVBTelevision Broadcasts LimitedTelevision Broadcasts Limited, commonly known as TVB, is the second over-the-air commercial television station in Hong Kong. It commenced broadcasting on 19 November 1967...
. Lawrence NgLawrence NgLawrence Ng Kai Wah is a popular TV actor in Hong Kong. His more famous works include the television series Healing Hands and the films Fate Twisters and Sex and Zen.-Career:...
and Shek Sau starred as Liu Bang and Xiang Yu respectively.
- The Great Conqueror's ConcubineThe Great Conqueror's ConcubineThe Great Conqueror's Concubine, alternatively known as King of Western Chu, is a historical drama film directed by Stephen Shin and Wei Handao, starring Ray Lui, Rosamund Kwan, Zhang Fengyi and Gong Li...
(1994), a Hong Kong film directed by Wei Handao and Stephen Shin. Zhang FengyiZhang FengyiZhang Fengyi is a Chinese actor most famous for his role in Farewell My Concubine, as a Chinese stage actor dealing with China's changing political climate and the affections of his singing partner...
and Ray Lui starred as Liu Bang and Xiang Yu respectively.
- The Conqueror's StoryThe Conqueror's StoryThe Conqueror's Story is a Hong Kong television series based on the events in the Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history. It was first broadcast in 2004 in Hong Kong on TVB.-Plot:...
(2004), a Hong Kong television series produced by TVB. Adam ChengAdam ChengAdam Cheng Siu-chow is a Hong Kong TVB actor and Cantopop singer.-Career:Cheng started his career in the 1970s, where he gained a reputation for playing the lead roles in TVB Wuxia drama series based on the works of Louis Cha and Gu Long, such as The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber and Chor Lau Heung...
and Kwong WahKwong WahKwong Wa is a Hong Kong actor and singer. He is widely known for his portrayals of Chinese historical characters such as Lao Ai , Xiang Yu , Tang Sanzang , Emperor Tang Xuanzong , Emperor Yongzheng and Emperor Qianlong...
starred as Liu Bang and Xiang Yu respectively.
- The Story of Han DynastyThe Story of Han DynastyThe Story of Han Dynasty is a Chinese television series based on the events in the late Qin Dynasty and Chu–Han contention period of Chinese history. The series was first broadcast on CCTV in China in 2003...
(2005), a Chinese television series. Hu JunHu JunHu Jun is a Chinese actor of Manchu ethnicity. He is known for his dramatic roles in various films and television series.-Filmography:-External links:***** - Official recognition fan site...
and Xiao Rongsheng starred as Xiang Yu and Liu Bang respectively.
- The MythThe Myth (TV series)The Myth is a 2010 Chinese television series based on the 2005 Hong Kong film of the same title. Jackie Chan, who starred in the original film, was credited as producer for the series, while Stanley Tong, the director of the film, was creative director for the series. The series was first aired on...
(2010), a Chinese television series adapted from the 2005 film of the same title. A present-day photographer travels back in time and meets Liu Bang and Xiang Yu and becomes sworn brothers with them.
- White VengeanceWhite VengeanceWhite Vengeance, also known as Hong Men Yan, is an upcoming Chinese historical film directed by Daniel Lee and starring Leon Lai, Feng Shaofeng, Liu Yifei, Zhang Hanyu, Anthony Wong, Jordan Chan, Andy On, Xiu Qing and Jia Qing...
, an upcoming Chinese film directed by Daniel Lee that centers on the Feast at Hong GateFeast at Hong GateThe Feast at Hong Gate was a historical event later often memorialized in Chinese history, novels, and drama, including in Beijing opera...
. Leon LaiLeon LaiLeon Lai is a Hong Kong-based actor and Cantopop singer. The media refer to Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings . He uses the stage name "Li Ming" or "Lai Ming" which literally means "dawn."-Biography:...
and Feng ShaofengFeng ShaofengFeng Wei , better known by his stage name Feng Shaofeng , is a Chinese actor. He is currently an artist under the management of Huayi Brothers.-Early life:...
star as Liu Bang and Xiang Yu respectively.
- Beauties of the Emperor, an upcoming Chinese television series produced by Yu Zheng. It romanticises the life stories of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu (played by Luo JinLuo JinLuo Jin is a Chinese film and television actor.He graduated from Beijing Film Academy in 2006.-TV drama:-Films:-Stage Play:《Zun Yan》（尊严）《Ying Xiong》（英雄）《Ye Ban Ge Sheng》（夜半歌声）-Opera:*Tea-picking Opera（采茶戏）《Si Jiu Lu Shang》（四九路上）...
and Ming Dow respectively), with the focus on Liu Bang's wife Lü ZhiEmpress Lü ZhiEmpress Lü Zhi , commonly known as Empress Dowager Lü or formally as Empress Gao , courtesy name Exu , was the wife and empress of Emperor Gaozu of Han, founder of the Han Dynasty. They had two known children—the eventual Emperor Hui and Princess Luyuan...
(played by Joe Chen), who loves and desires both of the two men.
- Chu Han ChuanqiChu Han ChuanqiChu Han Chuanqi is an upcoming Chinese television series based on the events in the late Qin Dynasty and Chu–Han Contention leading to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
, an upcoming Chinese television series directed by Gao Xixi. Chen DaomingChen DaomingChen Daoming is a famous Chinese actor known for his flexibility and longevity. He has been branded the Emperor of Chinese drama, having starred in all types of dramas and films....
and Peter HoPeter HoPeter Ho Jun-tung is an American-Taiwanese singer and actor. Ho was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Taiwan and Canada...
will be starring as Liu Bang and Xiang Yu respectively.
Video games
- Rise of the PhoenixRise of the Phoenix-Summary:The game is set in ancient China during the historically accurate Chu-Han Contention between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu.The gameplay and control are one of a kind, quite unlike the similarly themed Romance of the Three Kingdoms or Nobunaga's Ambition series, and its controls were considered...
, a strategy video game produced by Japan's Koei. It was first released on SNESSuper Nintendo Entertainment SystemThe Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
in 1994.
- Prince of Qin, an action RPG. The protagonist is the former Qin crown prince FusuFusuFusu was the first son of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, and hence the heir apparent. He believed that society would be impeccably run if everyone shared perfect knowledge ....
. He witnesses how the Qin DynastyQin DynastyThe Qin Dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state derived its name from its heartland of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The strength of the Qin state was greatly increased by the legalist reforms of Shang Yang in the 4th century BC, during the Warring...
becomes corrupted by Qin Er ShiQin Er ShiQin Er Shi , literally Second Emperor of Qin Dynasty, personal name Huhai, was emperor of the Qin Dynasty in China from 210 BC until 207 BC.-Name:...
and Zhao GaoZhao GaoZhao Gao was the chief eunuch during the Qin Dynasty of China. He played an instrumental role in the downfall of the Qin Dynasty.- Early life :...
and decides to help Liu Bang and Xiang Yu overthrow the dynasty.