Zhoulai

State of Zhoulai
州來
Unknown–529 BC
Zhoulai in the early 7th century BC. Borders are approximate.
Zhoulai in the early 7th century BC. Borders are approximate.
StatusClient / puppet state of Chu
(c. 620–529 BC)
CapitalZhoulai (present-day Fengtai County)[1]
Common languagesOld Chinese
GovernmentMonarchy
Historical eraSpring and Autumn period
• Established
Unknown
• Subjugated by Chu
c. 620 BC
• Conquered by Wu
529 BC
 Succeeded by
Wu (state)
Today part ofChina

Zhoulai (Chinese: 州來) was a small state of the Spring and Autumn period that ruled a crucial part of the middle Huai River valley. Its capital, known by the same name, was located in modern-day Fengtai County in Huainan. Due to its strategic location, Zhoulai controlled the most important route from Hubei to the Yellow Sea.[2] This made it a target of the expansionist state of Chu, which subjugated Zhoulai in the late 7th century BC in order to gain access to the east.[3] While nominally allowed to maintain autonomy under its own dynasty, Zhoulai effectively became a puppet state under Chu military occupation and civil administration. It survived in this condition until 529 BC, when its capital city was conquered by Wu and its ruling family was formally deposed.[4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cai was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cook & Major (1999), pp. 16, 17.
  3. ^ Cook & Major (1999), p. 16.
  4. ^ Zuo Qiuming. "Book 10 – Duke Zhao. Thirteenth year". Zuo Zhuan (in Chinese and English). Retrieved 26 January 2016.