Shu-Han
Shu-Han (蜀漢) was one of the three kingdoms during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China, following the fall of the Han Dynasty. Here are detailed points about this kingdom:
Foundation
- Shu-Han was established by Liu Bei, a distant relative of the Han imperial family, who claimed to be restoring the Han Dynasty.
- The kingdom was founded in 221 AD when Liu Bei proclaimed himself Emperor of Han, with its capital at Chengdu.
Geographical Scope
- Shu-Han's territory primarily included the Sichuan basin, known for its fertile land and natural defenses provided by the surrounding mountains.
- The kingdom's control extended over parts of modern-day Sichuan, Chongqing, and parts of Yunnan and Guizhou.
Political and Military Context
- Shu-Han was one of the three main contenders for control of China, alongside Cao Wei in the north and Sun Wu (or Eastern Wu) in the east.
- The kingdom's military campaigns were primarily aimed at reclaiming the central plains of China from Cao Wei, with famous generals like Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei leading these efforts.
Notable Figures
- Liu Bei - The founder and first emperor of Shu-Han.
- Zhuge Liang - The prime minister and military strategist, known for his "Longzhong Plan" which outlined the strategy for Shu-Han's expansion.
- Zhao Yun - One of the Five Tiger Generals, famous for his bravery and loyalty.
- Liu Shan - Liu Bei's son and successor, whose reign was marked by internal decline and eventual defeat.
Economic and Cultural Developments
- The region was known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in rice, which supported a large population.
- Shu-Han was culturally vibrant, with significant developments in literature, philosophy, and military strategy, largely due to the influence of figures like Zhuge Liang.
Decline and Fall
- The death of Zhuge Liang in 234 AD marked the beginning of a gradual decline for Shu-Han.
- After several failed northern expeditions, the kingdom's resources were depleted, and internal issues further weakened the state.
- In 263 AD, Cao Wei launched a successful invasion, leading to the surrender of Liu Shan in 264 AD, effectively ending the Shu-Han dynasty.
Legacy
References
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