Han Xin

Han Xin
韓信 (Chinese)
Marquis of Huaiyin (淮陰侯)
Tenure201–196 BC
King of Chu (楚王)
Tenure202–201 BC
PredecessorXiang Yu
SuccessorLiu Jiao
King of Qi (齊王)
Tenure203–202 BC
PredecessorTian Guang
SuccessorLiu Fei
Personal Details
BornUnknown
Huaiyin
Died196 BC
Changle Palace, Chang'an (Modern day Xi'an, Shaanxi)
AllegianceXiang Liang
Xiang Yu
Liu Bang
RankCaptain 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 BattlesBattle of Anyi
Battle of Jingxing
Battle of Wei River
Battle of Gaixia

Han Xin (simplified Chinese: 韩信; traditional Chinese: 韓信; pinyin: Hán Xìn; Wade–Giles: Han2Hsin4; ? – early 196 BCE[1]) 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 is best remembered as a brilliant military leader[citation needed] 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.

Han Xin receiving food from an elderly lady, depicted in a 1503 painting by Guo Xu
  1. ^ Vol. 12 of Zizhi Tongjian placed Han Xin's death in the winter (10th to 12th month) of the 11th year of Liu Bang's reign (including his tenure as King of Han). The period corresponds to 23 Nov 197 BCE to 18 Feb 196 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar. In the modified Zhuanxu calendar used during the era, the 11th year of Liu Bang's reign starts from 23 Nov 197 BCE and ends on 11 Nov 196 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar.