Campaigners › Commanders

Zhao Xiangzi

Head of the Zhao clan who held Jinyang against Zhibo and, allied with Han and Wei, destroyed the Zhi in 453 BCE.

Also known as Zhao Wuxu · Zhao Wuxu (variant)

Zhao Xiangzi, named Wuxu, was a son of Zhao Jianzi by a lesser mother, chosen as heir for his ability, and became head of the Zhao clan among the ministers of Jin. When Zhibo demanded land he refused and withdrew to Jinyang, which Zhibo, Han and Wei besieged and flooded. The Zhanguo Ce relates that he sent Zhang Mengtan to persuade Han Kangzi and Wei Huanzi that their turn would come next; in 453 BCE the three houses destroyed the Zhi, and Xiangzi lacquered Zhibo's skull into a drinking vessel, provoking Yu Rang's failed revenge. He laid the foundations of the state of Zhao in the Partition of Jin.

Life and times

  1. UnknownBornZhouhead of the Zhao clan from c. 475 BCE; died 443 or 425 BCE
  2. 453 BCEPartition of JinTook partAfter the Battle of Jinyang the Han, Zhao and Wei lineages destroyed the Zhi clan and divided Jin; in 403 BCE King Weilie of Zhou recognized them as lords.
    1. Three Clans Destroy Zhi at Jinyangc. 455 BCEAfter a siege of more than a year, Han and Wei turned on Zhi Bo at Jinyang and, with Zhao, wiped out the Zhi clan.
  3. UnknownDied