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Yuan Shao
Eastern Han warlord from a family of senior ministers who led the coalition against Dong Zhuo, held four northern provinces and lost to Cao Cao at Guandu
Mural of the event “Battle of Guandu”, which this person took part in.
In the chaotic twilight of the Han dynasty, warlord Yuan Shao united the four northern provinces and marched south; Cao Cao defended the Yellow River line to determine mastery of China.
Also known as Zi Benchu
- Roles
- Commanders
Yuan Shao, courtesy name Benchu, came from Ruyang in Runan, a family in which five men over four generations had held one of the three highest offices. In 189 he was Colonel Director of Retainers and plotted with He Jin against the eunuchs; after He Jin was murdered he led troops into the palace, where over two thousand eunuchs died. After Dong Zhuo deposed the emperor, Yuan Shao fled to Jizhou, and in 190 the eastern commanders made him leader of their alliance. He took Jizhou from Han Fu in 191 and in 199 destroyed Gongsun Zan at Yijing, holding Ji, Qing, You and Bing. In 200 he faced Cao Cao at Guandu; after Xu You defected and the grain at Wuchao was burned, his army collapsed. He fell ill, vomited blood and died in 202, after which his sons Tan and Shang fought each other until Cao Cao absorbed the north. Chen Shou judged him jealous behind a dignified manner and fond of plans he could not carry out.
Life and times
Dates c. 153 CE–202 CE