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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

Also known as Zi Benchu

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

  1. c. 153 CEBornHan
  2. 200Battle of GuanduTook partOverwhelming the mighty Yuan Shao at Guandu, laying the foundation for Cao Cao's unification of the North.
    1. Baima Victory and Xu You's DefectionCao Cao eliminated Yuan Shao's vanguard generals at Baima, while strategist Xu You defected overnight with the key to Wuchao's supplies.
    2. Cao Cao's Raid Burns Wuchao GrainCao Cao led 5,000 elite riders disguised as enemy troops to incinerate Wuchao's grain, shattering Yuan Shao's army and unifying northern China.
  3. 202 CEDied

Family tree

  1. Direct kin
    Yuan Shao
    Younger cousin
    Yuan Shu

Connections

  1. Shared events2
    1. Guan Yuc. 160 CE–220 CE
    2. Zhang HeBirth unknown–231…
  2. Others2
    1. Cao CaoRival for control of the north · 155 CE–220 CE
    2. Liu BeiFollower who took refuge with him · 161 CE–223 CE