Ma Chao
Encyclopedia
Ma Chao was the oldest son of Ma Teng
and a military general during the late Han Dynasty
and early Three Kingdoms
era of Chinese history
. In Luo Guanzhong
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
, he received the nickname "Ma Chao the Splendid" due to his elaborate armour and grand skill as a warrior. Ma is remembered as one of the Five Tiger Generals
of Shu Han
, popularized by the novel.
, Shaanxi
) to a half Han Chinese
and half Qiang father, Ma Teng
, and a Qiang mother. His father was one of the many warlords who emerged at the end of the Han Dynasty, and was appointed "General Who Conquers the West" (征西将军) by the imperial court.
Ma Chao was ordered by his father to follow Zhong Yao
, Director of Retainers, to attack Guo Yuan and Gao Gan
in Pingyang
. In the ensuing battle, Ma Chao was hit by an arrow in the foot, but he wrapped his foot in a pouch and continued fighting. He managed to defeat the enemy, while his subordinate Pang De
slew Guo Yuan. When Cao Cao became chancellor later, he wanted Ma Chao to serve in the capital city but Ma declined.
At that time, Ma Teng had disagreements with Han Sui
, "General Who Controls the West", and he left Liang Province to work in the capital. Ma Teng was appointed "Minister of the Guards" by Cao Cao, and the rest of his family moved to Ye
. Ma Chao remained in Liang Province, and was appointed "Lieutenant General" (偏将军) and ordered to take over command of his father's forces. He also received the title of "Marquis of Duting" (都亭侯).
sent Zhong Yao
and Xiahou Yuan
to lead an army to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong
. They were due to pass through Liang Province along the way, and Ma Chao suspected that Cao Cao was planning to attack him. He reconciled with Han Sui
and contacted Yang Qiu
, Li Kan, Cheng Yi, and others. They formed an army of about 100,000 strong to attack Cao Cao at Tong Pass.
Before the battle, Cao Cao went forth to negotiate with Ma Chao and Han Sui. Ma Chao thought highly about himself and secretly planned to capture Cao Cao. However, he was afraid to move when Cao Cao's bodyguard, Xu Chu
, glared at him. Cao Cao later put Ma Chao's family to death for the rebellion. Cao Cao then used Jia Xu
's ploy to make Ma Chao and Han Sui become suspicious of each other and turn hostile. Ma Chao and Han Sui's army was annihilated by Cao Cao's forces at the Battle of Tong Pass
. Ma Chao escaped west after his defeat and was pursued by Cao Cao to Anding
. There, Cao Cao heard about unrest in the north and ordered his troops to retreat east.
Ma Chao led the forces of the western tribes to attack the prefectures in Longxi and all the prefectures submitted to him, except for Jicheng. Ma Chao scored a victory at the Battle of Jicheng and killed Wei Kang, the Inspector of Liang Province, and occupied the city. He declared himself "General Who Conquers the West" (征西將軍) and took over governance of Bing Province and control of military affairs in Liang Province. Wei Kang's deputies, Yang Fu, Jiang Xu, Liang Kuan, Zhao Qu and others, were unhappy with Ma Chao and plotted against him. Yang Fu and Jiang Xu rebelled in Licheng and Ma Chao left Jicheng to suppress the revolt but failed. In the meantime, Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu closed the gates of Jicheng and denied Ma Chao entry. Ma Chao had no choice but to seek shelter under Zhang Lu in Hanzhong.
Zhang Lu once thought of marrying his daughter to Ma Chao, but Wang Shang, one of Zhang's followers, opposed the idea, saying that Ma Chao was courageous but inhumane and untrustworthy. Another follower of Zhang Lu suggested that Ma Chao will not love those around him. Zhang Lu then decided to abort his plan. Ma Chao regretted causing the deaths of his family members, as on one New Year's Day, he lamented to a relative, "A big family with hundred members, all sharing the same fate in one day. Now are there only the two of us to give greetings to each other?"
Due to Ma Chao's disgraceful past, Zhang Lu became suspicious of Ma's loyalty to him, and he sent Yang Bai to watch over Ma. After sensing that Liang Province was not easy to conquer and that Zhang Lu distrusted him, Ma Chao led his men out of Hanzhong to live with the Di people
around Wudu.
had besieged Liu Zhang
in Chengdu
, he killed Yang Bai to prove his loyalty and sent a secret letter to Liu Bei, requesting to join him. Liu Bei was pleased and he sent Li Hui to bring Ma Chao to Chengdu. Liu Zhang surrendered and Liu Bei occupied Yi Province. Liu Bei appointed Ma Chao as "General Who Pacifies the West" (平西將軍) and put him in charge of Linju, which befitted Ma Chao's previous title of "Marquis of Duting". Ma Chao was subsequently promoted to "General of the Left" (左將軍) when Liu Bei declared himself "King of Hanzhong".
In 221, Ma Chao was appointed "General of Agile Cavalry" (驃騎將軍) and governor of Liang Province, and received the title of "Marquis of Lixiang" (斄鄉侯). Liu Bei's edict read: "I'm not capable but I need to preserve the Han Dynasty. Cao Cao and Cao Pi will be remembered for their sins. I'm disconsolate by their wrongdoings. Our people loathed them and hoped that the Han Dynasty will be restored, such that the Di
, Qiang, Xunyu
and other ethnic groups will be willing to join us. The northerners look up to you and your valour is well known there. I've an important task for you: I hope that you will use your influence to govern them well and show concern for them. You must show the benefits of the Han government and be impartial in rewarding the good and punishing the evil. You must not let our people down."
During the Hanzhong Campaign
, Ma Chao followed Zhang Fei to attack Cao Hong
in Wudu. Ma Chao and Zhang Fei attempted to trick Cao Hong into believing that they were planning to attack his rear route, but Cao Xiu
saw through their ruse and advised Cao Hong to launch a counterattack. Ma Chao and Zhang Fei were defeated and forced to retreat. As a consequence of Ma Chao's defeat, the Di people turned their allegiance to Cao Hong and killed Wu Lan, one of Ma Chao and Zhang Fei's subordinates.
and Peng was executed for plotting a rebellion.
In brief, Ma Chao's main concern after joining Shu
was to solidify his position in the state by getting rid of Peng Yang, whom Zhuge Liang disliked.
is left. Let him continue our family line. I entrust him to you, Your Majesty. That's all I have to say."
Ma Chao was granted the posthumous nobility title of "Marquis Wei" (威侯) and the title was inherited by his son, Ma Cheng. Ma Chao's daughter later married Liu Bei's son Liu Li, the Prince of Anping. When Ma Chao defected to Liu Bei, he left his concubine (surnamed Dong) and his son (named Ma Qiu) in Zhang Lu's domain. After Zhang Lu surrendered to Cao Cao, Cao Cao presented Lady Dong to Yan Pu
, and Ma Qiu to Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu killed Ma Qiu personally.
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
. The three main differences between Ma in the novel and in actual history are:
to avenge his father and brothers, who were killed on Cao's orders. With support from Han Sui
, his father's sworn brother
, Ma Chao attacked Chang'an
and conquered the city easily, after which he advanced towards Tong Pass. Cao Cao was alarmed and he sent Xu Huang
and Cao Hong
to lead 10,000 troops to the pass, issuing orders for them to refrain from engaging the enemy and defend the pass for 10 days. However, by the ninth day, Cao Hong was unable to bear the insults and taunts from Ma Chao and his men, and led a contingent out of the pass to attack Ma Chao without seeking permission first. Xu Huang came to Cao Hong's aid but both of them were no match for Ma Chao, and lost Tong Pass.
Cao Cao personally led an army to retake Tong Pass. In the ensuing battle, many of his best generals, such as Zhang He
and Yu Jin
, were defeated by Ma Chao single handedly. Ma Chao charged towards Cao Cao after spotting him. Cao Cao fled and he cut his beard and discarded his red robe during the escape to avoid being identified by Ma Chao's troops before being rescued by Cao Hong and Xiahou Yuan
. Cao Cao then led his army across the river to cut off Ma Chao's supply lines, but Ma anticipated the assault and was lying in ambush. Cao Cao narrowly escaped again under the cover of his bodyguard Xu Chu
, a man of herculean strength. Ma Chao and Xu Chu engaged in a long duel and neither of them managed to defeat his opponent. The fight was stopped when Cao Cao ordered a retreat. Back in camp, Cao Cao praised Xu Chu as a true mighty warrior, whose fighting ability befitted his nickname of "Tiger Craze".
In the following days, Ma Chao led his men to harass Cao Cao's troops and gave them no chance to set up camps. Cao Cao knew it was difficult to defeat a valiant general like Ma Chao, so he accepted his advisor Jia Xu
's strategy to sow discord between Ma and Han Sui, and turn them against each other. Ma Chao fell for the ruse and he became suspicious of Han Sui. Eventually, as tension mounted, Ma Chao confronted Han Sui and attempted to kill him but Han managed to escape under the protection of his subordinates. Han defected to Cao Cao and Cao's forces seized the opportunity to launch an attack. Ma Chao lost the battle and fled with his surviving men to join Zhang Lu.
The Battle of Jiameng Pass is a fictional battle in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Ma Chao escaped after his defeat at the Battle of Tong Pass and joined the warlord Zhang Lu in Hanzhong
. Zhang Lu later sent Ma Chao to lead an army to reinforce Liu Zhang
in Yi Province, who was under attack by Liu Bei
. Ma Chao's first encounter with Liu Bei's forces was at Jiameng Pass (葭萌關). He engaged Zhang Fei in two long duels, with neither of them emerging the victor. Fearing that they might get hurt, Liu Bei consulted Zhuge Liang
and they agreed that Ma Chao would become a valuable ally, given his fighting capabilities, if he submitted to Liu Bei. Liu Bei then sent Li Hui to persuade Ma Chao to join his side, while employing tricks to make Zhang Lu distrust Ma. Ma Chao pondered over the situation and eventually decided to pledge allegiance to Liu Bei. He became one of the Five Tiger Generals
of Shu later.
and Warriors Orochi
video game series.
Ma Chao is featured in the Taiwanese television drama K.O.3an Guo
, a parody of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in a present day school setting.
In the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering
, there is a card named "Ma Chao, Western Warrior" in the Portal Three Kingdoms
set.
Ma Teng
Ma Teng was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He controlled Liang Province together with his sworn brother Han Sui...
and a military general during the late 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...
and early Three Kingdoms
Three Kingdoms
The Three Kingdoms period was a period in Chinese history, part of an era of disunity called the "Six Dynasties" following immediately the loss of de facto power of the Han Dynasty rulers. In a strict academic sense it refers to the period between the foundation of the state of Wei in 220 and the...
era of Chinese history
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
. In Luo Guanzhong
Luo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
, he received the nickname "Ma Chao the Splendid" due to his elaborate armour and grand skill as a warrior. Ma is remembered as one of the Five Tiger Generals
Five Tiger Generals
The Five Tiger Generals is a popular appellation in Chinese culture for any five military generals serving under a ruler. This term is used in literature texts, plays and popular culture. In the historical context, "Five Tiger Generals" usually refers to the five best military generals serving...
of Shu Han
Shu Han
Shu Han was one of the three states competing for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period, after the fall of the Han Dynasty. The state was based on areas around Sichuan, which was then known as Shu...
, popularized by the novel.
Early life
Ma Chao was born in Maoling, Fufeng (northeast of present-day XingpingXingping
Xingping is a city and district of Xianyang, 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...
) to a half Han Chinese
Han Chinese
Han Chinese are an ethnic group native to China and are the largest single ethnic group in the world.Han Chinese constitute about 92% of the population of the People's Republic of China , 98% of the population of the Republic of China , 78% of the population of Singapore, and about 20% of the...
and half Qiang father, Ma Teng
Ma Teng
Ma Teng was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He controlled Liang Province together with his sworn brother Han Sui...
, and a Qiang mother. His father was one of the many warlords who emerged at the end of the Han Dynasty, and was appointed "General Who Conquers the West" (征西将军) by the imperial court.
Ma Chao was ordered by his father to follow Zhong Yao
Zhong Yao
Zhong Yao was a Chinese calligrapher and politician of Cao Wei during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in modern Xuchang, Henan, he was at one time the Grand Administrator of Chang'an....
, Director of Retainers, to attack Guo Yuan and Gao Gan
Gao Gan
Gao Gan was a governor of Bing Province during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was a nephew of the warlord Yuan Shao and a cousin of Gao Rou. After the dissolution of the coalition against Dong Zhuo, warlords all across China returned to their respective territories...
in Pingyang
Linfen
-Administrative divisions:The prefecture-level city of Linfen is divided in one district, two cities and fourteen counties. The information here presented uses the metric system and data from 2010 Census.-Pollution:...
. In the ensuing battle, Ma Chao was hit by an arrow in the foot, but he wrapped his foot in a pouch and continued fighting. He managed to defeat the enemy, while his subordinate Pang De
Pang De
Pang De was a military general during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served different warlords during his life-span, including the Han Dynasty imperial court under Emperor Ling; the Liang Province forces led by Han Sui and Ma Teng; the Hanzhong warlord, Zhang Lu; and the...
slew Guo Yuan. When Cao Cao became chancellor later, he wanted Ma Chao to serve in the capital city but Ma declined.
At that time, Ma Teng had disagreements with Han Sui
Han Sui
Han Sui was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. For most of his life he was active in Liang Province and was involved in several rebellions against the Han Dynasty and against the warlord Cao Cao.-Biography:With the backing of the Qiang people who populated much of...
, "General Who Controls the West", and he left Liang Province to work in the capital. Ma Teng was appointed "Minister of the Guards" by Cao Cao, and the rest of his family moved to Ye
Ye, China
Ye or Yecheng was an ancient Chinese city located in what is now Linzhang County, Hebei and the neighbouring Anyang County, Henan....
. Ma Chao remained in Liang Province, and was appointed "Lieutenant General" (偏将军) and ordered to take over command of his father's forces. He also received the title of "Marquis of Duting" (都亭侯).
Uprising against Cao Cao
In 211, Cao CaoCao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
sent Zhong Yao
Zhong Yao
Zhong Yao was a Chinese calligrapher and politician of Cao Wei during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Born in modern Xuchang, Henan, he was at one time the Grand Administrator of Chang'an....
and Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min , literally meaning "sympathetic...
to lead an army to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong
Hanzhong
Hanzhong is a municipality in southwest Shaanxi Province, China, occupying a historically significant valley in the mountains between the Xi'an area, home to many Chinese capitals, and the fertile but isolated Sichuan Basin...
. They were due to pass through Liang Province along the way, and Ma Chao suspected that Cao Cao was planning to attack him. He reconciled with Han Sui
Han Sui
Han Sui was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. For most of his life he was active in Liang Province and was involved in several rebellions against the Han Dynasty and against the warlord Cao Cao.-Biography:With the backing of the Qiang people who populated much of...
and contacted Yang Qiu
Yang Qiu
Yang Qiu was a warlord who joined Ma Chao's rebellion against Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Upon the coalition's defeat in the Battle of Tong Pass, he fled to Anding but was forced to surrender to Cao Cao the next winter and was awarded a post as a marquis.-In...
, Li Kan, Cheng Yi, and others. They formed an army of about 100,000 strong to attack Cao Cao at Tong Pass.
Before the battle, Cao Cao went forth to negotiate with Ma Chao and Han Sui. Ma Chao thought highly about himself and secretly planned to capture Cao Cao. However, he was afraid to move when Cao Cao's bodyguard, Xu Chu
Xu Chu
Xu Chu was a warrior who lived during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He served as a bodyguard to the warlord Cao Cao. Gigantic and strong, yet simple-minded and honest, Xu Chu was referred to as "Dumb Tiger" by his fellow men...
, glared at him. Cao Cao later put Ma Chao's family to death for the rebellion. Cao Cao then used Jia Xu
Jia Xu
Jia Xu , style name Wenhe , was an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He previously served Dong Zhuo, Li Jue and Zhang Xiu before finally joining Cao Cao...
's ploy to make Ma Chao and Han Sui become suspicious of each other and turn hostile. Ma Chao and Han Sui's army was annihilated by Cao Cao's forces at the Battle of Tong Pass
Battle of Tong Pass (211)
The Battle of Tong Pass was fought between the warlord Cao Cao and a coalition of forces from Guanxi from March to September 211 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. The battle was initiated by Cao Cao's western expansion, which triggered uprisings in Guanxi...
. Ma Chao escaped west after his defeat and was pursued by Cao Cao to Anding
Anding District
The Anding District is an administrative district in Gansu, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 17 districts of Gansu. It is part of the Dingxi prefecture, with the city of the same name being the prefecture seat.-References:...
. There, Cao Cao heard about unrest in the north and ordered his troops to retreat east.
Ma Chao led the forces of the western tribes to attack the prefectures in Longxi and all the prefectures submitted to him, except for Jicheng. Ma Chao scored a victory at the Battle of Jicheng and killed Wei Kang, the Inspector of Liang Province, and occupied the city. He declared himself "General Who Conquers the West" (征西將軍) and took over governance of Bing Province and control of military affairs in Liang Province. Wei Kang's deputies, Yang Fu, Jiang Xu, Liang Kuan, Zhao Qu and others, were unhappy with Ma Chao and plotted against him. Yang Fu and Jiang Xu rebelled in Licheng and Ma Chao left Jicheng to suppress the revolt but failed. In the meantime, Liang Kuan and Zhao Qu closed the gates of Jicheng and denied Ma Chao entry. Ma Chao had no choice but to seek shelter under Zhang Lu in Hanzhong.
Service under Zhang Lu
Ma Chao was unhappy with Zhang Lu as he felt that Zhang was not capable nor ambitious enough to make great achievements. He asked Zhang Lu for troops to attack Liang Province from time to time, but never succeeded.Zhang Lu once thought of marrying his daughter to Ma Chao, but Wang Shang, one of Zhang's followers, opposed the idea, saying that Ma Chao was courageous but inhumane and untrustworthy. Another follower of Zhang Lu suggested that Ma Chao will not love those around him. Zhang Lu then decided to abort his plan. Ma Chao regretted causing the deaths of his family members, as on one New Year's Day, he lamented to a relative, "A big family with hundred members, all sharing the same fate in one day. Now are there only the two of us to give greetings to each other?"
Due to Ma Chao's disgraceful past, Zhang Lu became suspicious of Ma's loyalty to him, and he sent Yang Bai to watch over Ma. After sensing that Liang Province was not easy to conquer and that Zhang Lu distrusted him, Ma Chao led his men out of Hanzhong to live with the Di people
Di (ethnic group)
The Di were an ethnic group in China from the 8th century BCE to approximately the middle of the 6th century CE. Note that the character Di is used to differentiate this group from the Beidi , a generic term for "northern barbarians". They lived in areas of the present-day provinces of Gansu,...
around Wudu.
Service under Liu Bei
When Ma Chao heard that Liu BeiLiu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
had besieged Liu Zhang
Liu Zhang (warlord)
Liu Zhang was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He became governor of Yi Province , succeeding his father Liu Yan and ruled the region until 214, when he surrendered to Liu Bei...
in Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu , formerly transliterated Chengtu, is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. It holds sub-provincial administrative status...
, he killed Yang Bai to prove his loyalty and sent a secret letter to Liu Bei, requesting to join him. Liu Bei was pleased and he sent Li Hui to bring Ma Chao to Chengdu. Liu Zhang surrendered and Liu Bei occupied Yi Province. Liu Bei appointed Ma Chao as "General Who Pacifies the West" (平西將軍) and put him in charge of Linju, which befitted Ma Chao's previous title of "Marquis of Duting". Ma Chao was subsequently promoted to "General of the Left" (左將軍) when Liu Bei declared himself "King of Hanzhong".
In 221, Ma Chao was appointed "General of Agile Cavalry" (驃騎將軍) and governor of Liang Province, and received the title of "Marquis of Lixiang" (斄鄉侯). Liu Bei's edict read: "I'm not capable but I need to preserve the Han Dynasty. Cao Cao and Cao Pi will be remembered for their sins. I'm disconsolate by their wrongdoings. Our people loathed them and hoped that the Han Dynasty will be restored, such that the Di
Di (ethnic group)
The Di were an ethnic group in China from the 8th century BCE to approximately the middle of the 6th century CE. Note that the character Di is used to differentiate this group from the Beidi , a generic term for "northern barbarians". They lived in areas of the present-day provinces of Gansu,...
, Qiang, Xunyu
Xunyu
The Xunyu is the name of an ancient nomadic tribe which invaded China during legenary times. They are often identified as the Xiongnu.-Identification:...
and other ethnic groups will be willing to join us. The northerners look up to you and your valour is well known there. I've an important task for you: I hope that you will use your influence to govern them well and show concern for them. You must show the benefits of the Han government and be impartial in rewarding the good and punishing the evil. You must not let our people down."
During the Hanzhong Campaign
Hanzhong Campaign
The Hanzhong Campaign was a military campaign launched by the warlord Liu Bei to seize control of the commandery of Hanzhong from his rival Cao Cao. The campaign took place between 217 and 219 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history...
, Ma Chao followed Zhang Fei to attack Cao Hong
Cao Hong
Cao Hong was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He started his career during the late Han Dynasty under the warlord Cao Cao, who was also his cousin.-Early career:...
in Wudu. Ma Chao and Zhang Fei attempted to trick Cao Hong into believing that they were planning to attack his rear route, but Cao Xiu
Cao Xiu
Cao Xiu was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He served the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. A distant nephew of Cao Cao, Cao Xiu was given special attention by the former, who once asserted him befitting...
saw through their ruse and advised Cao Hong to launch a counterattack. Ma Chao and Zhang Fei were defeated and forced to retreat. As a consequence of Ma Chao's defeat, the Di people turned their allegiance to Cao Hong and killed Wu Lan, one of Ma Chao and Zhang Fei's subordinates.
The case of Peng Yang
When Peng Yang was appointed governor of Jiangyang and was about to leave Chengdu to assume office, he visited Ma Chao and said, "If you're in charge of external affairs and I'm in charge of internal affairs, the country will not be hard to pacify." Ma Chao interpreted Peng Yang's statement as: "If you rebel outside Chengdu and I assist you inside, the country is not hard to conquer." Hence, Ma Chao secretly reported Peng Yang's "treacherous speech" to the chancellor Zhuge LiangZhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and most accomplished strategist of his era....
and Peng was executed for plotting a rebellion.
In brief, Ma Chao's main concern after joining Shu
Shu Han
Shu Han was one of the three states competing for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period, after the fall of the Han Dynasty. The state was based on areas around Sichuan, which was then known as Shu...
was to solidify his position in the state by getting rid of Peng Yang, whom Zhuge Liang disliked.
Death
Ma Chao died at the age of 47 in 222. Before his death, he wrote to Liu Bei, "Most of my extended family of 200 people were killed by Cao Cao. Only my younger cousin Ma DaiMa Dai
Ma Dai was a military general of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He previously served under his uncle, the warlord Ma Teng...
is left. Let him continue our family line. I entrust him to you, Your Majesty. That's all I have to say."
Ma Chao was granted the posthumous nobility title of "Marquis Wei" (威侯) and the title was inherited by his son, Ma Cheng. Ma Chao's daughter later married Liu Bei's son Liu Li, the Prince of Anping. When Ma Chao defected to Liu Bei, he left his concubine (surnamed Dong) and his son (named Ma Qiu) in Zhang Lu's domain. After Zhang Lu surrendered to Cao Cao, Cao Cao presented Lady Dong to Yan Pu
Yan Pu
Yan Pu was an advisor serving under the warlord Zhang Lu during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Yan Pu at one time warned Zhang Lu against the slaying of Pang De based on slander spread by Yang Song. After Zhang Lu followed in his submission to Cao Cao, Yan Pu was created a...
, and Ma Qiu to Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu killed Ma Qiu personally.
Family
- Father: Ma TengMa TengMa Teng was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He controlled Liang Province together with his sworn brother Han Sui...
, a prominent warlord who served as Minister of the Guards in Luoyang. He was executed on Cao Cao's orders after Ma Chao started a rebellion.
- Brothers:
- Ma XiuMa XiuMa Xiu was the son of the warlord Ma Teng during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. When his older brother Ma Chao rebelled against Cao Cao, Ma Xiu and his father were executed.-See also:*List of people of the Three Kingdoms...
, younger brother, executed on Cao Cao's orders after Ma Chao started a rebellion - Ma TieMa TieMa Tie was a son of the warlord Ma Teng during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. While serving the imperial army, Ma Tie was made Colonel of the Cavalry. When his older brother Ma Chao revolted against Cao Cao, Ma Tie was killed in battle, while Ma Teng and Ma Xiu were executed....
, younger brother, executed on Cao Cao's orders after Ma Chao started a rebellion
- Ma Xiu
- Cousins:
- Ma DaiMa DaiMa Dai was a military general of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He previously served under his uncle, the warlord Ma Teng...
, younger cousin, became a general in Shu HanShu HanShu Han was one of the three states competing for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period, after the fall of the Han Dynasty. The state was based on areas around Sichuan, which was then known as Shu...
- Ma Dai
- Spouses:
- Lady Dong (董氏), Ma Chao's concubine. She remained in Zhang Lu's domain when Ma defected to Liu Bei. Cao Cao presented her to Yan PuYan PuYan Pu was an advisor serving under the warlord Zhang Lu during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. Yan Pu at one time warned Zhang Lu against the slaying of Pang De based on slander spread by Yang Song. After Zhang Lu followed in his submission to Cao Cao, Yan Pu was created a...
after Zhang Lu surrendered.
- Lady Dong (董氏), Ma Chao's concubine. She remained in Zhang Lu's domain when Ma defected to Liu Bei. Cao Cao presented her to Yan Pu
- Children:
- Ma Qiu (馬秋), born to Lady Dong. He remained in Zhang Lu's domain when his father defected to Liu Bei. Cao Cao presented him to Zhang Lu after Zhang surrendered. Zhang Lu killed him personally.
- Ma Cheng (馬承)
- Lady Ma (馬氏), married Liu Bei's son Liu Li, the Prince of Anping
Appointments and titles held
- Lieutenant General (偏將軍)
- Marquis of Du (都亭侯)
- General Who Attacks the West (征西將軍) - granted to Ma Chao by himself
- Governor of Bing Province (并州牧) - granted to Ma Chao by himself
- General Who Pacifies the West (平西將軍)
- General on the Left (左將軍)
- General of Agile Cavalry (驃騎將軍)
- Governor of Liang Province (涼州牧)
- Marquis of Li (斄鄉侯)
- Marquis Wei (威侯) - granted to Ma Chao posthumously
In fiction
The order of events and description of Ma Chao's character were largely altered in Luo GuanzhongLuo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
. The three main differences between Ma in the novel and in actual history are:
- In the novel, Cao CaoCao CaoCao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
discovered that Ma TengMa TengMa Teng was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He controlled Liang Province together with his sworn brother Han Sui...
was plotting with a few others, including Liu BeiLiu BeiLiu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
and Dong ChengDong ChengDong Cheng was originally a subordinate general of Niu Fu during the late Han Dynasty, and later joined forces with the White Wave Bandits to protect the emperor from the hands of Li Jue and Guo Si. He was also Emperor Xian's father-in-law...
, to assassinate him, so he decided to get rid of Ma Teng. He lured Ma Teng and his sons to LuoyangLuoyangLuoyang 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 had them murdered. Ma Chao was enraged and vowed to avenge his father and brothers, so he led an uprising against Cao Cao. In actual history, Ma Chao's family was put to death by Cao Cao after Ma started the rebellion.
- In the novel, Ma Chao was described to be "brave but incapable". However, in actual history, Ma Chao was said to be comparable to Ying Bu, Peng YuePeng YuePeng 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...
and Han XinHán XìnHan Xin was a military general who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han Dynasty...
of the early Han Dynasty.
- In the novel, Ma Chao lived until 225, three years after his death in actual history.
Battle of Tong Pass
In 211, Ma Chao mobilized his forces to wage war against Cao CaoCao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
to avenge his father and brothers, who were killed on Cao's orders. With support from Han Sui
Han Sui
Han Sui was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. For most of his life he was active in Liang Province and was involved in several rebellions against the Han Dynasty and against the warlord Cao Cao.-Biography:With the backing of the Qiang people who populated much of...
, his father's sworn brother
Blood brother
Blood brother can refer to one of two things: two males related by birth, or two or more men not related by birth who have sworn loyalty to each other. This is usually done in a ceremony, known as a blood oath, where the blood of each man is mingled together...
, Ma Chao attacked 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 conquered the city easily, after which he advanced towards Tong Pass. Cao Cao was alarmed and he sent Xu Huang
Xu Huang
Xu Huang was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history. He served the state of Cao Wei, founded by Cao Cao's successor Cao Pi, during the Three Kingdoms period...
and Cao Hong
Cao Hong
Cao Hong was a military general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He started his career during the late Han Dynasty under the warlord Cao Cao, who was also his cousin.-Early career:...
to lead 10,000 troops to the pass, issuing orders for them to refrain from engaging the enemy and defend the pass for 10 days. However, by the ninth day, Cao Hong was unable to bear the insults and taunts from Ma Chao and his men, and led a contingent out of the pass to attack Ma Chao without seeking permission first. Xu Huang came to Cao Hong's aid but both of them were no match for Ma Chao, and lost Tong Pass.
Cao Cao personally led an army to retake Tong Pass. In the ensuing battle, many of his best generals, such as Zhang He
Zhang He
Zhang He was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty era of Chinese history. He continued serving the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period until his death....
and Yu Jin
Yu Jin
Yu Jin was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He joined Cao in the early years of the civil wars that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty...
, were defeated by Ma Chao single handedly. Ma Chao charged towards Cao Cao after spotting him. Cao Cao fled and he cut his beard and discarded his red robe during the escape to avoid being identified by Ma Chao's troops before being rescued by Cao Hong and Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan
Xiahou Yuan was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was killed in the Battle of Mount Dingjun against Liu Bei's general Huang Zhong in 219, and was given the posthumous title of Marquis Min , literally meaning "sympathetic...
. Cao Cao then led his army across the river to cut off Ma Chao's supply lines, but Ma anticipated the assault and was lying in ambush. Cao Cao narrowly escaped again under the cover of his bodyguard Xu Chu
Xu Chu
Xu Chu was a warrior who lived during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He served as a bodyguard to the warlord Cao Cao. Gigantic and strong, yet simple-minded and honest, Xu Chu was referred to as "Dumb Tiger" by his fellow men...
, a man of herculean strength. Ma Chao and Xu Chu engaged in a long duel and neither of them managed to defeat his opponent. The fight was stopped when Cao Cao ordered a retreat. Back in camp, Cao Cao praised Xu Chu as a true mighty warrior, whose fighting ability befitted his nickname of "Tiger Craze".
In the following days, Ma Chao led his men to harass Cao Cao's troops and gave them no chance to set up camps. Cao Cao knew it was difficult to defeat a valiant general like Ma Chao, so he accepted his advisor Jia Xu
Jia Xu
Jia Xu , style name Wenhe , was an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He previously served Dong Zhuo, Li Jue and Zhang Xiu before finally joining Cao Cao...
's strategy to sow discord between Ma and Han Sui, and turn them against each other. Ma Chao fell for the ruse and he became suspicious of Han Sui. Eventually, as tension mounted, Ma Chao confronted Han Sui and attempted to kill him but Han managed to escape under the protection of his subordinates. Han defected to Cao Cao and Cao's forces seized the opportunity to launch an attack. Ma Chao lost the battle and fled with his surviving men to join Zhang Lu.
Battle of Jiameng Pass
Hanzhong
Hanzhong is a municipality in southwest Shaanxi Province, China, occupying a historically significant valley in the mountains between the Xi'an area, home to many Chinese capitals, and the fertile but isolated Sichuan Basin...
. Zhang Lu later sent Ma Chao to lead an army to reinforce Liu Zhang
Liu Zhang (warlord)
Liu Zhang was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He became governor of Yi Province , succeeding his father Liu Yan and ruled the region until 214, when he surrendered to Liu Bei...
in Yi Province, who was under attack by Liu Bei
Liu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
. Ma Chao's first encounter with Liu Bei's forces was at Jiameng Pass (葭萌關). He engaged Zhang Fei in two long duels, with neither of them emerging the victor. Fearing that they might get hurt, Liu Bei consulted Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and most accomplished strategist of his era....
and they agreed that Ma Chao would become a valuable ally, given his fighting capabilities, if he submitted to Liu Bei. Liu Bei then sent Li Hui to persuade Ma Chao to join his side, while employing tricks to make Zhang Lu distrust Ma. Ma Chao pondered over the situation and eventually decided to pledge allegiance to Liu Bei. He became one of the Five Tiger Generals
Five Tiger Generals
The Five Tiger Generals is a popular appellation in Chinese culture for any five military generals serving under a ruler. This term is used in literature texts, plays and popular culture. In the historical context, "Five Tiger Generals" usually refers to the five best military generals serving...
of Shu later.
Comments on Ma Chao
- "Ma Chao's arrogance and overestimation of his ability caused the extermination of his entire clan. What a great pity! If he could give up his pursuit for fame and glory and refrain from competing with others, wouldn't he have saved himself from disaster?" (馬超阻戎負勇，以覆其族，惜哉！能因窮致泰，不猶愈乎！) – Chen ShouChen ShouChen Shou was a historian during the Jin Dynasty period of Chinese history. He is best known as the author of Records of Three Kingdoms, a historical account of the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.-Biography:...
- "If the young horse doesn't die, I wouldn't be able to have a burial site!" (馬兒不死，吾無葬地也。) – Cao CaoCao CaoCao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
- "Mengqi is proficient in both civil and military affairs. He is fierce and mighty, and a hero of his time. He is comparable to Qing and Peng. He can compete with Yide, but is not as good as the peerless beard. " (孟起兼資文武，雄烈過人，一世之傑，黥、彭之徒，當與益德並驅爭先，猶未及髯之絕倫逸群也。) – Zhuge LiangZhuge LiangZhuge Liang was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and most accomplished strategist of his era....
- "The tens of generals in Guanzhong may not be united. Among them, only Han Sui and Ma Chao are the most powerful ones." (關中將帥以十數，莫能相一，唯韓遂、馬超最彊。) – Xun YuXun YuXun Yu was a strategist and statesman who served as an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.-Early life:...
- "(Ma) Chao possesses courage but not humanity; he knows no allegiance. He cannot be trusted in a relationship that calls for an interdependency." (超勇而不仁，見得不思義，不可以為脣齒。) – Wang Shang
- "(Ma) Chao has the courage of Xin and Bu, and he has the support of the Qiang and Rong peoples. If we retreat now and don't station defenses here, we forfeit all the prefectures in Longxi." (超有信、布之勇，甚得羌、戎心。若大軍還，不嚴為其備，隴上諸郡非國家之有也。) – Yang FuYang FuYang Fu was an official of Cao Wei during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He was credited with defeating the Liang Province warlord, Ma Chao, and forcing the latter to flee for shelter under the Hanzhong warlord, Zhang Lu...
- "(Ma) Chao is strong but iniquitous; he is morally weak and susceptible to temptation and trickery." (超强而无义，多衅易图耳。) – Yang Fu
- "An unfilial son who would betray his own father, and a cruel subordinate who tried to murder his lord." (背父之逆子，杀君之桀贼) – Jiang Xu's mother
- "If somebody can't even love his own family, how will he love others?" (有人若此不愛其親，焉能愛人？) – Zhang Lu's follower
- "(Ma Chao) rose up, formed alliances, started an uprising in the Three QinsThree QinsThe 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...
, conquered the river and Tong Pass. (He) rebelled against the imperial court, regardless of whether his followers agreed or disagreed with him. (In doing so, he) provided an opportunity for the enemy to sow discord (between him and his men), resulting in the destruction of his family and forces. (He) defied morals and ethics, and ended up having to rely on Dragons and Phoenixes. " (驃騎奮起，連橫合從，首事三秦，保據河、潼。宗計於朝，或異或同，敵以乘釁，家破軍亡。乖道反德，託鳳攀龍。) – Yang Xi
- "Bad diplomatic relations between Zhou and Zheng; Emperor Gaozu of Han requesting for a bowl of broth; Kui Xiao giving away his son; Ma Chao betraying his father; (these are) examples of extreme cruelty." (是以周、鄭交惡，漢高請羹，隗囂捐子，馬超背父，其為酷忍如此之極也。) – Sun Sheng
- "A veritable tiger of a general." – Liu BeiLiu BeiLiu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
Modern references
Ma Chao appears as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty WarriorsDynasty Warriors
is a series of tactical action video games created by Omega Force and Koei. The award-winning series is a spin-off of Koei's turn-based strategy Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, based loosely around the Chinese classical novel of the same name. The first game titled Dynasty Warriors,...
and Warriors Orochi
Warriors Orochi
, is a PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 hack and slash video game developed by Koei and Omega Force. It is a crossover of two of Koei's popular video game series, Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors...
video game series.
Ma Chao is featured in the Taiwanese television drama K.O.3an Guo
K.O.3an Guo
K.O.3an Guo is a Taiwanese drama starring George Hu, Xiu, Kirsten Ren and three out of four members of Fahrenheit as special guests, who starred in the prequels. The title is pronounced as "K.O.-san-guo". It is the third installment of the Zhong Ji series; preceded by KO One and The X-Family...
, a parody of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in a present day school setting.
In the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering , also known as Magic, is the first collectible trading card game created by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Magic continues to thrive, with approximately twelve million players as of 2011...
, there is a card named "Ma Chao, Western Warrior" in the Portal Three Kingdoms
Portal Three Kingdoms
Portal Three Kingdoms is the third Magic: The Gathering expansion of the Portal block, and the third starter level set. Like the other expansions in the Portal block, Portal: Three Kingdoms is designed for beginners to Magic. The setting is heavily based on the Chinese historical novel Romance of...
set.