State of Zhao

Zhao (pinyin: zhao4, simplified Chinese: 赵, traditional Chinese: 趙) was a Chinese state during the Warring States Period. Its territory included areas in modern Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces. The state of Zhao bordered the Xiongnu (Huns), the states of Qin, Wei and Yan. Its capital was Handan (邯郸), suburb of modern-day Handan City in Hebei.

Related Topics:
Pinyin - Simplified Chinese - Traditional Chinese - Chinese - State - Warring States Period - Inner Mongolia - Hebei - Shanxi - Shaanxi - Xiongnu - Huns - Qin - Wei - Yan - Handan

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At the beginning of the Warring States Period, the state of Zhao was one of the weakest states. Zhao gained strength during the reign of King Wuling of Zhao. The state of Zhao adopted horseback riding from their Xiongnu neighbors; eventually, cavalry accounted for a significant portion of the troops of Zhao.

Related Topics:
King Wuling of Zhao - Cavalry

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Several brillant military commanders of the whole period appeared concurrently, including Lian Po, Zhao She and Li Mu. Lian Po was instrumental in defending against the Qin. Zhao She was most active in the east; he lead the invasion of Yan state. Li Mu was responsible for defending against the Huns.

Related Topics:
Lian Po - Zhao She - Li Mu - Yan state - Huns

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Zhao demonstrated its enhanced military prowess by conquering the ethnic State of Zhongshan in 295 BC after a prolonged war, and annexing territory from its neighbors Wei, Yan and Qin. The cavalry of Zhao occasionally intruded into the state of Qi in campaigns against the state of Chu.

Related Topics:
State of Zhongshan - 295 BC - State of Qi - State of Chu

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By the end of the Warring States Period, Zhao was the only state strong enough to oppose the mighty Qin. An alliance with Wei begun in 287 BC against Qin ended in defeat at Huayang in 273 BC. The struggle then culminated in the bloodiest battle of the whole period, the Battle of Changping in 260 BC. The troops of Zhao were completely defeated by Qin. Although the forces of Wei saved Handan from a follow-up siege by the victorous Qin, Zhao would never recover from the huge loss of men in the battle.

Related Topics:
Qin - 287 BC - 273 BC - Battle of Changping - 260 BC

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In 229 BC, invasions led by the Qin general Wang Jian were opposed by Li Mu and his subordinate officer Sima Xiang until 228 BC. According to some accounts, King Qian of Zhao ordered the execution of Li Mu and relieved Sima Xiang from his duties, due to disloyal advice from court officials and Qin infiltrators.

Related Topics:
229 BC - Wang Jian - Sima Xiang - 228 BC - King Qian of Zhao - Execution

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In 228 BC, Qin captured King Qian and conquered Zhao. Prince Jia, the step-brother of Qian, was proclaimed king at Dai Commandry and led the last Zhao forces against the Qin. The regime lasted until 222 BC when the Qin army captured him and squashed his forces at Dai.

Related Topics:
Dai Commandry - 222 BC

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