Han Xin
Han Xin (simplified Chinese: 韩信; traditional Chinese: 韓信; pinyin: Hán Xìn; Wade–Giles: Han2Hsin4; ? – early 196 BCE) was a Chinese military general and politician who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han dynasty. Han Xin was named as one of the "Three Heroes of the early Han dynasty" (Chinese: 漢初三傑), along with Zhang Liang and Xiao He.
| Han Xin 韓信 (Chinese) | |
|---|---|
| Marquis of Huaiyin (淮陰侯) | |
| Tenure | 201–196 BC |
| King of Chu (楚王) | |
| Tenure | 202–201 BC |
| Predecessor | Xiang Yu |
| Successor | Liu Jiao |
| King of Qi (齊王) | |
| Tenure | 203–202 BC |
| Predecessor | Tian Guang |
| Successor | Liu Fei |
| Personal Details | |
| Born | Unknown Huaiyin |
| Died | 196 BC Changle Palace, Chang'an (Modern day Xi'an, Shaanxi) |
| Allegiance | Xiang Liang Xiang Yu Liu Bang |
| Rank | Captain of the Palace Guards (郎中) 208-206 BC Captain of Rations(治粟都尉) 206 BC Commander in Chief (大將軍) 206-202 BC Left Chancellor (左丞相) 205 BC Chancellor of Zhao (相國) 204 BC |
| Notable Battles | Battle of Anyi Battle of Jingxing Battle of Wei River Battle of Gaixia |
Han Xin is best remembered as a brilliant military leader for the strategies and tactics he employed in warfare, some of which became the origins of certain Chinese idioms, he was undefeated in battle and for his accomplishments he was considered the "God of War". In recognition of Han Xin's contributions, Liu Bang conferred the titles of "King of Qi" on him in 203 BCE and "King of Chu" in the following year. However, Liu Bang feared Han Xin's growing influence and gradually reduced his authority, demoting him to "Marquis of Huaiyin" in late 202 BCE. In early 196 BCE, Han Xin was accused of participating in a rebellion, lured into a trap and executed on Empress Lü Zhi's orders.