Chu State (China)
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Xiang Yu (Hegemon-King of Western Chu)
Suqian (Jiangsu), Chu State (China)
Archival Overview
Fearsome Chu warlord who broke the Qin Empire at the Battle of Julu, proclaimed himself Hegemon-King of Western Chu, and fought Liu Bang.
Biographical Record
Xiang Yu (232–202 BC), born Xiang Ji, was a noble warrior and supreme rebel leader who overthrew the Qin dynasty. Renowned for his colossal physical stature, superhuman strength, and fierce temperament, Xiang Yu championed the resurrection of the Kingdom of Chu following the death of Qin Shi Huang.
In 207 BC, at the Battle of Julu, Xiang Yu ordered his men to 'break the kettles and sink the boats' (po fu chen zhou) after crossing the Zhang River, leaving no retreat; with only three days' rations, his 50,000 Chu troops routed 300,000 Qin soldiers under Zhang Han, sealing the doom of the Qin Empire. Proclaiming himself Hegemon-King of Western Chu, he engaged Liu Bang in the epic Chu-Han Contention. Cornered at Wujiang in 202 BC after Gaixia, Xiang Yu refused to cross the Yangtze in shame, slaying dozens of foes before taking his own life.
Key Life Milestones
Breaking Kettles and Sinking the Boats
Cut off all retreat to inspire ferocious valor, annihilating the Qin imperial army and compelling the surrender of General Zhang Han.
Cavalry Blitz Against 560,000 Men
Launched a lightning dawn charge with 30,000 elite Chu cavalry, routing Liu Bang's coalition army of over 500,000 troops at Pengcheng.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialHexian (Ma'anshan), China