Liu Bei
Founding emperor of Shu Han
Born	161 Zhuozhou, Hebei, China
Died	223 Baidicheng, Chongqing, China
Reign	221–223
Successor	Liu Shan
Names
Simplified Chinese	刘备
Traditional Chinese	劉備
Pinyin	Liú Bèi
Wade-Giles	Liu Pei
Courtesy name	Xuándé (玄德)
Posthumous name	Zhāoliè (昭烈) literary meaning: Shining Accomplishment
Era names	Zhāngwǔ (章武; 221–223)
Other names	Yùzhōu (豫州)[1]

This is a Chinese name; the family name is 劉 (Liu). The Emperor of China ( refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning since the founding of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC until the fall of Shu Han ( Traditional Chinese: 蜀漢 Pinyin: Shǔ Hàn sometimes known as the Kingdom of Shu (蜀 shǔ was one of the Three Kingdoms competing Zhuozhou City ( is a Chinese city with 600000 inhabitants in the province of Hebei. ( Postal map spelling: Hopeh) is a northern province of the People's Republic of China. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Events By Place Asia Liu Shan becomes second emperor of Shu-Han upon the death of his father Liu Bei. Baidi or Baidicheng ( Simplified and Traditional Chinese: 白帝城 8 km east of the present day Fengjie County seat in Chongqing Chongqing ( Postal map spelling: Chungking; Wade-Giles: Ch'ung-ch'ing) is the largest and most populous of the People's Republic of China China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Events By Place Roman Empire June 26 — Emperor Elagabalus adopts Alexander Severus as his heir Events By Place Asia Liu Shan becomes second emperor of Shu-Han upon the death of his father Liu Bei. Liu Shan, (commonly mispronounced as Liu Chan) (207 &ndash 271 was the second and last emperor of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era Personal Names in Chinese culture follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Wade-Giles (ˌweɪdˈʤaɪlz) sometimes abbreviated Wade, is a Romanization system (phonetic notation and Transcription) for the Mandarin A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name ( zì) is a given name to be used later in life A posthumous name is an honorary name given to royalty nobles and sometimes others in some cultures after the person's death A Chinese era name ( is the Era name, reign period or regnal title used when traditionally numbering years in an emperor's reign and naming certain Chinese Personal Names in Chinese culture follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. Chinese family name is one of the hundreds or thousands of Family names that have been historically used by Han Chinese and Sinicized Chinese ethnic Liu is a common Chinese family name. The Transliteration Liu can represent several different surnames written in different Chinese characters

Liu Bei (161–223 AD), styled Xuándé (玄徳), was a general, warlord, and later the founding emperor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Events By Place Asia Liu Shan becomes second emperor of Shu-Han upon the death of his father Liu Bei. A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name ( zì) is a given name to be used later in life Shu Han ( Traditional Chinese: 蜀漢 Pinyin: Shǔ Hàn sometimes known as the Kingdom of Shu (蜀 shǔ was one of the Three Kingdoms competing The Three Kingdoms period ( is a period in the History of China, part of an era of disunity called the Six Dynasties following immediately the loss of China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Although having a later start than his rivals, also lacking both the material resources and social status they commanded, Liu Bei overcame his many defeats to carve out his own realm, that at its peak spanned modern day Sichuan, Guizhou, part of Hubei, and part of Gansu. ( Postal map spelling: Szechwan and Szechuan) is a province in western China with its capital in Chengdu. ( also spelled Kweichow) is a province of the People's Republic of China located in the southwestern part of the country ( Postal map spelling: Hupeh) is a central province of the People's Republic of China. ( is a province located in the northwest of the People's Republic of China.

Culturally, due to the tremendously popular novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, Liu Bei is widely known as the ideal benevolent, humane ruler who cared for his people and picked good advisors. Romance of the Three Kingdoms ( written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese Historical novel based upon events in Luo Guanzhong ( c 1330?-1400? born Luo Ben (罗本 was a Chinese author attributed with writing Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义 His character was to advocate the Confucian set of moral values, such as loyalty and compassion. Confucianism ( is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system originally developed from the teachings of the fifth century B

Biography

Early life

Born in Zhuo Commandery (涿, present day Zhuozhou, Hebei), Liu Bei was a descendant of Liu Sheng, a son of Emperor Jing. Zhuozhou City ( is a Chinese city with 600000 inhabitants in the province of Hebei. ( Postal map spelling: Hopeh) is a northern province of the People's Republic of China. Liu Sheng ( Prince Jing of Zhongshan ( 中山靖王, d 113 BCE was a Chinese prince of the Western Han dynasty. Early life and career as crown prince Emperor Jing was born to Emperor Wen, then Prince of Dai, and Consort Dou, one of his favorite consorts in His grandfather Liu Xiong (劉雄) and father Liu Hong (劉弘) were both employed as local clerks.

Liu Bei grew up poor, having lost his father when he was still a child. To support themselves, he and his mother sold shoes and straw-woven mats. At age fourteen, Liu Bei, sponsored by a more well-off relative who saw his potentials, went to study under Lu Zhi (a prominent scholar and, at the time, former Administrator of Jiujiang). For the Yuan Dynasty literary figure see Lu Zhi (poet. Lu Zhi (? - 192 was a loyal minister of the late Han Dynasty during the Han Dynasty Period of China Jiujiang (, formerly called Kiukiang, is a Prefecture-level city located on the southern shores of the Yangtze River (ChangJiang in northwest There he met and befriended Gongsun Zan. Gongsun Zan (? - 199 styled Bogui (伯珪 A native of Liaoxi (遼西 he was a warlord with fierce reputation during the late Eastern Han Dynasty era of China

The adolescent Liu Bei was said to be unenthusiastic in studying but rather fond of hunting, music, and nice clothings. Few of words, calm in demeanor, and kind to his friends, Liu Bei was well-liked by his contemporaries. He was said to have long arms and large earlobes.

Yellow Turban Rebellion

In 184, at the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Bei called to raise a volunteer army. Events By place Roman Empire The Antonine Wall is permanently abandoned The Yellow Turban Rebellion, sometimes also translated as the Yellow Scarves Rebellion, ( was a AD 184 peasant rebellion against Emperor Ling of Han For that, he got financial contributions from two wealthy horse merchants and he gained a group of loyal followers, most famous amongst whom were Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Zhang Fei (?-221 AD was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China.

Liu Bei led his army to join with the provincial army. Together they scored several victories against the rebels. As reward, he was appointed Prefect of Anxi (安喜令), Zhongshan commandery (中山)—a position he soon left by refusing to bend to a corrupted inspector.

He then traveled south with his followers to join another volunteer army to suppress the Yellow Turbans, who glared up again in Xu Province (徐州, northern Jiangsu). ( Postal map spelling: Kiangsu) is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country For that achievement, he was appointed Prefect and Captain of Gaotang (Gaotang ling 高唐令, Gaotang wei 高唐尉).

Succeeding Tao Qian

In 192, after the coalition against Dong Zhuo broke up, the country sank into war and chaos. Events By Place Roman Empire Commodus is assassinated by a wrestler named Narcissus, at the behest of Commodus' Concubine The Campaign against Dong Zhuo (董卓討伐戰 in 190 was initiated by a coalition of regional officials hoping to end Chancellor Dong Zhuo 's influence Overran by rebels, Liu Bei moved north to seek safety with Gongsun Zan, who at the time was fighting with Yuan Shao for control of Ji Province (Hebei) and Qing Province (Shandong). Gongsun Zan (? - 199 styled Bogui (伯珪 A native of Liaoxi (遼西 he was a warlord with fierce reputation during the late Eastern Han Dynasty era of China Yuan Shao (? - 202 was a powerful warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. ( Postal map spelling: Hopeh) is a northern province of the People's Republic of China. ( is a coastal province of eastern People's Republic of China. Gongsun Zan sent him to help Tian Kai (to fight Yuan Shao) in Shandong. Tian Kai (? - 199 was an officer of the Three Kingdoms Period who was appointed as the protector of Qing by Gongsun Zan. Yuan Shao (? - 202 was a powerful warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. For this, he was later made Prefect of Pingyuan County (平原), then Chancellor of Pingyuan, located on the border of Yuan Shao.

In 194, Cao Cao launched a campaign against Tao Qian in Xu Province. Events By Place Roman Empire Pescennius Niger, competitor of Septimius Severus for the Roman Empire is defeated in three successive Cáo Cāo ( 曹[[wikt 操|操]] 155 &ndash March 15, 220) was a regional Warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Tao Qian (132-194 was governor of Xu province (徐州 during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. At the time, there were two opposing alliances—Yuan Shu and Gongsun Zan on one side, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao the other. This article is about the warlord during the Eastern Han Dynasty Gongsun Zan (? - 199 styled Bogui (伯珪 A native of Liaoxi (遼西 he was a warlord with fierce reputation during the late Eastern Han Dynasty era of China Yuan Shao (? - 202 was a powerful warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. Cáo Cāo ( 曹[[wikt 操|操]] 155 &ndash March 15, 220) was a regional Warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Because Tao Qian was being hard pressed, he appealed to Tian Kai for help. Tian Kai and Liu Bei moved to save him.

However, Zhang Miao rebelled and called in Lü Bu to take over Cao Cao's base (Yan Province—兗州, present day western Shandong). Zhang Miao (155 - 195 was a minister of the Three Kingdoms Period who acted as prefect of Chenliu. Lü Bu (died 198 was a military general and later minor Warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. ( is a coastal province of eastern People's Republic of China. Cao Cao had to withdraw. Tao Qian asked Liu Bei to station in nearby Xiaopei (小沛, present day Pei County, Jiangsu) and gave him 4000 more troops, in addition to 1000 or so troops and some Wuhuan cavalry already under his command. Xiaopei (小沛 is an ancient Chinese town located in the present-day Pei County, Anhui. The Wuhuan ( were a nomadic people who inhabited northern China, in what is now the provinces of Hebei, Liaoning, Shanxi, the municipality

Later that year, Tao Qian died. On his deathbed, he had resolved to have Liu Bei taking over his domain and entrusted Mi Zhu to carry out the transfer of power. Mi Zhu (? &ndash 219 was a highly esteemed advisor and brother-in-law of the powerful warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms Hesitant initially, Liu Bei refused but eventually accepted on advices from Kong Rong and Chen Deng. Kong Rong (153 &ndash 208 was a bureaucrat poet and minor warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. Chen Deng (170 - 208 styled Yuan Long was a strategist of the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era

Conflicts with Lü Bu

In 195, Lü Bu was eventually defeated by Cao Cao and sought refuge under Liu Bei. Events By Place Roman Empire Emperor Septimius Severus has the Senate deify Commodus in an attempt to gain favor with In the next, Yuan Shu invaded Xu Province. This article is about the warlord during the Eastern Han Dynasty Liu Bei led his army to Xuyi and Huaiyin (淮陰, in Guangling, south of Xu Province) to counter. Xuyi County (盱眙 is a county which falls under the jurisdiction of Huai'an, Jiangsu Province Administration The Prefecture-level city of Yangzhou administers 7 county-level divisions. They faced each other for a month without any decisive result.

Zhang Fei, left by Liu Bei to hold Xiapi (capital of Xu Province at the time), quarreled and killed Cao Bao (曹豹), Chancellor of Xiapi from the time of Tao Qian, causing unrest in the city. Zhang Fei (?-221 AD was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Pizhou City (邳州 Pinyin: Pīzhōu is a County-level city in northern Jiangsu province in China. Lü Bu took this opportunity and made a surprise attack to capture Xiapi, with it the families of Liu Bei and his officers.

Liu Bei returned on receiving the news, but his army had disintegrated by the time he reached Xiapi. Gathering whatever he could, he then moved to Guangling but was defeated by Yuan Shu. Liu Bei then treated to Haixi (海西), Donghai Commandery (東海). Faced with enemies on both sides and desperate little supplies (Mi Zhu had to provide the army out of his personal wealth), Liu Bei requested a truce with Lü Bu, who accepted and returned Liu Bei's family as an act of good faith, because he was becoming apprehensive of Yuan Shu. Lü Bu, fearing isolation, obstructed further attempt by Yuan Shu to eliminate Liu Bei. Liu Bei moved his camp to Xiaopei. There he rebuilt his strength, gathering over ten thousand men. Lü Bu became concerned and attacked Xiaopei. Liu Bei fled to Xuchang, where Cao Cao received him well, gave him some troops, provisions, and official appointment of Governor of Yu Province (豫州牧, Yuzhou mu), stationing in Pei to keep an eye on Lü Bu. Xuchang ( is a Prefecture-level city in central Henan province, People's Republic of China. Cáo Cāo ( 曹[[wikt 操|操]] 155 &ndash March 15, 220) was a regional Warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the

In 198, Lü Bu renewed his alliance with Yuan Shu to stem Cao Cao's growing influence and sent Gao Shun and Zhang Liao to attack Liu Bei. Events By Place Roman Empire Publius Septimius Geta, son of Septimus Severus, receives the title of Caesar. Gao Shun (? &ndash 198 was a military officer under the minor warlord Lü Bu during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Zhang Liao (169 &ndash 222 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun to support Liu Bei but he was defeated by Gao Shun. Xiahou Dun (? &ndash 220 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Liu Bei had to flee to Cao Cao again. Cao Cao himself led an army against Lü Bu, and eventually captured and executed the latter at Xiapi.

Role in the Cao-Yuan conflict

By 199, Cao Cao had Emperor Xian in his control and was issuing orders under pretense of imperial decrees. Events By place Roman Empire Mesopotamia is partitioned into two Roman provinces divided by the Euphrates, Mesopotamia and Emperor Xian of Han ( Traditional 漢獻帝 Simplified 汉献帝 Pinyin Hàn Xiàn dì, Wade-Giles Han Hsien-ti; Liu Bei joined a conspiracy headed by Dong Cheng, a cousin of the emperor, and some other men to remove Cao Cao. Dong Cheng (? &ndash 200 was a government official during the late Eastern Han / Three Kingdoms era of China. Cáo Cāo ( 曹[[wikt 操|操]] 155 &ndash March 15, 220) was a regional Warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Moreover, he was anxious to leave Cao Cao's stronghold Xuchang. Xuchang ( is a Prefecture-level city in central Henan province, People's Republic of China. Hence, on hearing that Yuan Shu had surrendered to and was on his way, via Xiapi, to join Yuan Shao in the north, Liu Bei asked to lead a force to intercept. This article is about the warlord during the Eastern Han Dynasty Yuan Shao (? - 202 was a powerful warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. Before his advisers were able to change his mind, Cao Cao consented, commissioned Liu Bei and Zhu Ling an army to move south. Zhu Ling (? &ndash 228 was a Vassal of the Wei Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period in China. Having his path blocked, Yuan Shu turned back to Shouchun and died there. Shou County (寿县 is a county in Anhui under the jurisdiction of Lu'an.

Zhu Ling returned to Xuchang, but Liu Bei stayed behind with the army. He took the opportunity to kill Che Zhou (車冑), Cao Cao's appointed Governor of Xu Province, and took over the region once again. He left Guan Yu to guard Xiapi while he himself garrisoned Xiaopei. Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of

Yuan Shao, having defeated Gongsun Zan, started moving against Cao Cao, set up camps on the north bank of the Yellow River. Gongsun Zan (? - 199 styled Bogui (伯珪 A native of Liaoxi (遼西 he was a warlord with fierce reputation during the late Eastern Han Dynasty era of China The Yellow River or Huang He / Hwang Ho ( Hatan Gol Queen river) is the second-longest river in China (after the Yangtze River) and the Liu Bei sent Sun Qian to Yuan Shao to request an alliance. Sun Qian, styled Gongyou (公祐 was an advisor and emissary to Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty period

In 200, Dong Cheng's plot was discovered. Events By Place World Human population reaches about 257 million All conspirators and their families were summarily executed.

Having to confront Yuan Shao at Guandu, Cao Cao sent his subordinates Liu Dai and Wang Zhong against Liu Bei. Liu Bei defeated them. Predicting Yuan Shao would be hesitant to attack Xuchang, Cao Cao turned south, overran Liu Bei's position. Xuchang ( is a Prefecture-level city in central Henan province, People's Republic of China. Not knowing if Liu Bei was dead or alive, Guan Yu submitted to Cao Cao. Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of

Liu Bei fled north to Yuan Shao. There Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan treated him with honor. Yuán Tán ( (173 &ndash 205 was the eldest son of the powerful warlord Yuan Shao, and served as a military commander under his father during the late Eastern Han Liu Bei participated in the battles of Boma, in which Yuan Shao successively lost two of his best generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, the former slain by Guan Yu. Yan Liang (? &ndash 200 was a military general under the powerful warlord Yuan Shao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Wen Chou (? &ndash 200 was a military general under the powerful warlord Yuan Shao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of

Liu Pi in Runan rebelled against Cao Cao. Liu Pi (? - 200 was a general of the Yellow Turbans, near the End of Han Dynasty in China. Runan may refer to Runan County, in Henan China Runan Côtes-d'Armor, commune in France Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei and some troops south to help them. Liu Bei and Liu Pi attacked Xuchang but were defeated by Cao Ren. Cao Ren (168 &ndash 223 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Around this time, Guan Yu left Cao Cao and returned to Liu Bei. The defeated Liu Bei returned to the north and urged Yuan Shao to ally with Liu Biao, governor of Jing Province (荆州, present day Hubei and Hunan). Liú Biǎo (? - August208 AD was the governor of the Jing province during the late Eastern Han Dynasty ( Postal map spelling: Hupeh) is a central province of the People's Republic of China. ( is a province of China, located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and south of Lake Dongting (hence the name Hunan, meaning Yuan Shao sent him south to Runan again to aid the bandit Gong Du. Gong Du was a bandit operating against local warlord Cao Cao during the End of Han Dynasty in China. There Liu Bei defeated and killed Cao Cao's general Cai Yang.

Taking refuge with Liu Biao

After defeating Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao led his army to attack Runan in 201. The Battle of Guandu (官渡之戰 was a Battle during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history that took place at the Yellow River Events By Place Asia Earliest trace of the Kyrgyz. By Topic Religion In November Liu Bei fled to Jing Province to seek refuge from Liu Biao. Liú Biǎo (? - August208 AD was the governor of the Jing province during the late Eastern Han Dynasty

Liu Biao welcomed Liu Bei personally, treating him as an honored guest. He also gave Liu Bei some troops and asked him to station in Xinye. Xinye ( Pinyin: Xīnyě is one of the counties of Nanyang that lies in the southwest of Henan province in central China.

Liu Bei stayed in Jing Province several years. One time he was in attendance upon Liu Biao and he got up to go to the lavatory. As he came back, he was weeping. Surprised, Liu Biao asked what was the matter. Liu Bei answered "In earlier times, I never left the saddle. My thighs were thin. Now I do not ride anymore, they are fat and flabby. The days and months pass like a stream, and old age will come, but I have achieved nothing. That's why I am sad. "

In 202, Cao Cao sent Yu Jin and Xiahou Dun to attack Liu Bei. Yu Jin (? &ndash 220 styled Wenze) was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Xiahou Dun (? &ndash 220 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Liu Bei ambushed and defeated them at Bowang. The Battle of Bowang (博望之戰 more famously known as the Battle of Bowang Slope (博望坡之戰 was a battle fought near Fancheng, Henan between

In 207, Cao Cao planned a campaign to conquer the Wuhuan in the north, but was apprehensive that Liu Biao might attack his base. For the car see Peugeot 207. Events By Place Asia Sun Quan battles Huang Zu at The Wuhuan ( were a nomadic people who inhabited northern China, in what is now the provinces of Hebei, Liaoning, Shanxi, the municipality Guo Jia assured him that Liu Biao wouldn't move, because "he knows his ability is no match for Liu Bei. Guo Jia (170 &ndash 207 styled Fengxiao (奉孝 was a strategist and advisor to the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty If he gives Liu Bei an important post, he must be concerned that Liu Bei will become too powerful. But if he gives him a lesser position, Liu Bei would be reluctant to serve him. " Cao Cao agreed. Indeed when Liu Bei advised Liu Biao to attack Xuchang while Cao Cao was away, Liu Biao would not agree—only to express regret when the opportunity was gone. Xuchang ( is a Prefecture-level city in central Henan province, People's Republic of China.

Away from the battlefields in the east and under the capable rule of Liu Biao, Jing Province was prosperous and a popular destination for literati fleeing the destruction of war. Liu Bei inquired Sima Hui, a revered recluse, about scholars. Sima Hui is a character in the historical novel " Romance of the Three Kingdoms " Sima Hui named Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong as exceptional men that comprehended the important affairs of the age. Zhuge Liang (181–234 was Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China Páng Tǒng (龐統 178 - 214 Courtesy name Shiyuan (士元 was an advisor to Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and during the Xu Shu also urged Liu Bei to call on Zhuge Liang. Xu Shu was one of Liu Bei 's advisors during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Zhuge Liang (181–234 was Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China

So Liu Bei went to see Zhuge Liang. He had to make three trips before he was able to see him. Zhuge Liang showed Liu Bei the Longzhong plan, a long-term strategy that outlined how Liu Bei could compete with Cao Cao.

In 208, Liu Biao died. For the area code see Area code 208. Events By Place Roman Empire Roman emperor Septimius Severus His younger son Liu Cong succeeded him and instantly submitted to Cao Cao, without informing Liu Bei. Liu Cong was the second son of the famous warlord Liu Biao during the Three Kingdoms period of China. By the time Liu Bei heard something, Cao Cao had reached Wancheng (modern Nanyang City). Abandoning his camp at Fancheng, Liu Bei led his troops away. Fancheng District ( Chinese: 樊城区 is a district of Xiangfan, Hubei, China. Many of Liu Cong's attendants and the people of Jing Province turned to Liu Bei. By the time he reached Dangyang (当阳), his followers numbered more than one hundred thousands, moving only 10 li a day. This article is about two traditional Chinese units of length He however sent Guan Yu ahead to wait for him in Jiangling, where the arsenal was, with Jing Province's fleet. Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of

Afraid that Liu Bei might reach Jiangling before him, Cao Cao led his cavalry on a chase. In a day and a night, they caught up with Liu Bei and captured all his people, army, and baggage at the Battle of Changban. The Battle of Changban ( took place at Changban (near the modern-day city of Jingmen in Hubei Province) China in the year 208. Leaving his family behind, Liu Bei fled with only scores of followers. With Guan Yu's fleet, they crossed the Mian River to Jiangxia (江夏) then the Yangzi to Xiakou (夏口) with Liu Qi, Liu Biao's eldest son, and his men. Jiangxia (江夏 was an ancient Commandery in Hubei, China (probably in modern day Yunmeng County) Liú Qí (? - 209 was the first son of Liu Biao and a general in the Three Kingdoms period of China.

The battle of Red Cliffs

Main article: Battle of Red Cliffs

When Liu Bei was still at Changban, Sun Quan's envoy Lu Su hinted to him that he should ally with Sun Quan against Cao Cao. The Battle of Red Cliffs, otherwise known as the Battle of Chibi, ( was a decisive battle at the End of Han Dynasty, immediately prior to the period of the Three Sun Quan ( (182 - 252 son of Sun Jian, courtesy name Zhòngmóu (仲謀 formally Emperor Da of (Eastern Wu was the founder of Eastern Wu Lu Su (172 - 217 styled Zijing (子敬 was an advisor for the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Zhuge Liang, as Liu Bei's envoy, together with Lu Su went to meet Sun Quan at Chaisang (柴桑) to seal the alliance.

Liu Bei and Sun Quan formed their first coalition against the southward expansion of Cao Cao. The two sides clashed at the Red Cliffs (northwest of present day Puqi County, Hubei). ( Postal map spelling: Hupeh) is a central province of the People's Republic of China. Cao Cao boasted 830,000 men (historians believe the realistic number was around 220,000), while the alliance at best had 50,000 troops.

However, Cao Cao's men, mostly from the north, were ill-suited to the southern climate and naval warfare, and thus entered the battle with a clear disadvantage. Furthermore, a plague that broke out undermined the strength of Cao Cao's army. The fire tactic used by Huang Gai and Zhou Yu also worked effectively against Cao Cao's vessels, which were chained together and thus allowed the fire to quickly spread. Huang Gai was a military general for the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms era of China. A majority of Cao Cao's troops were either burned to death or drowned in the river. Those who tried to retreat to the near bank were ambushed and annihilated by enemy skirmishers. Cao Cao himself barely escaped the encounter.

Cao Cao returned to the north, leaving Cao Ren and Xu Huang to hold Jiangling, Yue Jin to hold Xiangyang (modern day Xiangfan). Cao Ren (168 &ndash 223 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Xu Huang (169 &ndash 227 was a prominent military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao and his successor Cao Pi during the late Eastern Han Dynasty Yue Jin (? &ndash 218 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Xiangyang ( Traditional Chinese: 襄陽 Simplified Chinese: 襄阳 Pinyin: Xiāngyáng was a Chinese city famous for the Siege of Xiangyang Administration The Prefecture-level city of Xiangfan administers 8 county-level divisions, including 2 districts, 3 county-level cities

Master of Jing Province

While Zhou Yu, followed up his resounding victory, was fighting Cao Ren for Jiangling on the north bank, Liu Bei, after recommending Liu Qi to be the new Inspector of Jing Province (荊州刺史, Jingzhou Shushi), mopped up the four commanderies south of the Yangzi—Changsha, Lingling (零陵, present day Yongzhou, Hunan), Guiyang (桂陽), and Wuling (武陵). Zhou Yu (周瑜 175-210 was a famous and one of the most capable military strategists for Sun Ce and his successor Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms era the Cao Ren (168 &ndash 223 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Changsha ( is the Capital city of Hunan, a province of south-central China, located on the lower reaches of Xiang river a branch of the Yongzhou ( is a Prefecture-level city in the Hunan province of China. Liu Bei set his base at Gong'an (公安) and began building up strength. When Liu Qi died, Liu Bei succeeded him as Governor of Jing Province. Sun Quan gave his younger sister as wife to Liu Bei to bolster the alliance.

Officials and men who previously served Liu Biao now turned to Liu Bei. Under the pressure of Liu Bei's growing influence on the south Jing Province, Sun Quan's position on the north Jing Province became untenable especially after the death of Zhou Yu in 210. Zhou Yu (周瑜 175-210 was a famous and one of the most capable military strategists for Sun Ce and his successor Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms era the Events By Place Roman Empire Caracalla is Consul. Having suffered heavy losses since invading Scotland Lu Su, successor to Zhou Yu's command post, moved his headquarter further east from Jiangling to Lukou (陸口), yielding western Jing province and access to northern Jing Province to Liu Bei. Lu Su (172 - 217 styled Zijing (子敬 was an advisor for the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Diplomatically, they were "lending" Liu Bei Jing Province—a debt that Liu Bei however never recognized.

Conquering Yi Province

Main article: Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province

In 211, Liu Zhang, governor of Yi Province (益州, present day Sichuan and Chongqing), heard that Cao Cao planned to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. Liu Bei's takeover of Yi Province was a campaign that took place between Liu Bei and Liu Zhang in 214 during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms period in China that laid the foundation For the N11 code see 2-1-1. Events By Place Roman Empire Septimus Severus dies in Britain Liu Zhang (162? - 219 was a warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China. ( Postal map spelling: Szechwan and Szechuan) is a province in western China with its capital in Chengdu. Chongqing ( Postal map spelling: Chungking; Wade-Giles: Ch'ung-ch'ing) is the largest and most populous of the People's Republic of China Zhang Lu (? - 216 was a warlord during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Hanzhong ( is a city in Shaanxi province in central China. Population (2004 approx As Hanzhong provided an excellent platform for further incursion into Yi Province, and persuaded by Zhang Song—a malcontent ambitious advisor looking for better master, Liu Zhang sent Fa Zheng to conclude an alliance with Liu Bei, inviting the latter into Yi Province to attack Hanzhong before Cao Cao did. Zhang Song (? - 213 was an advisor to Liu Zhang during Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Fǎ Zhèng (176 - 220 courtesy name Xiàozhí (孝直 was an advisor for Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Hanzhong ( is a city in Shaanxi province in central China. Population (2004 approx

Leaving Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu behind to hold Jing Province, Liu Bei led an expedition force into Sichuan. Zhuge Liang (181–234 was Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Liu Zhang added to Liu Bei's troops, also supplied him generously with provisions and equipments. Before heading to Jiameng Pass (葭萌, southwest of present day Guangyuan, Sichuan) on the northern border with Zhang Lu, Liu Bei acted with generosity and grace to win over the locals. Guangyuan ( is a Prefecture-level city in Sichuan Province China. Zhang Lu (? - 216 was a warlord during the Three Kingdoms era of China.

In 212, Pang Tong outlined three plans and urged Liu Bei to choose—either advance rapidly to Chengdu with picked men before Liu Zhang could react, or take over Liu Zhang's armies in the north then proceed to Chengdu, or return to Baidicheng to link up with the base before attack. Events By Place Roman Empire Emperor Caracalla decrees that freemen throughout the Roman Empire are to become Roman citizens Páng Tǒng (龐統 178 - 214 Courtesy name Shiyuan (士元 was an advisor to Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and during the ( located in southwest People's Republic of China, is the capital of Sichuan province and a Sub-provincial city. ( located in southwest People's Republic of China, is the capital of Sichuan province and a Sub-provincial city. Baidi or Baidicheng ( Simplified and Traditional Chinese: 白帝城 8 km east of the present day Fengjie County seat in Chongqing Liu Bei picked the middle plan.

Under pretext that Sun Quan was under attacks from Cao Cao and needed helps, Liu Bei asked Liu Zhang for 10000 soldiers with money and provision to assist the defense of Jing Province. Liu Zhang allowed him only 4000 troops, and half of the other things he asked for.

Discovered that Zhang Song had been communicating in secret with Liu Bei, Zhang Su (張肅), Song's older brother, reported the matter to Liu Zhang, who promptly had Song killed. Liu Zhang also ordered all the passes not to allow any further message to reach Liu Bei.

Angry, Liu Bei summoned Yang Huai and Gao Pei (高沛), Liu Zhang's commanders of Boshui Pass, charged them with discourtesy and executed them, and took the pass and their troops as his own. Yang Huai (d 212 an officer of the Three Kingdoms Period that served under Liu Zhang, guarding Bai Shui Gate. He then moved to attack Fucheng (涪城).

In Spring 213, Liu Zhang sent Liu Gui (劉璝), Ling Bao (冷苞), Zhang Ren, Deng Xian (鄧賢), Wu Yi (吳懿), and others to repel Liu Bei. Events By Place Roman Empire Caracalla leaves Rome never to return Zhang Ren (? - 213 AD was a general serving under the warlord Liu Zhang during the Three Kingdoms era of China. They were beaten, and retreated to Mianzhu (綿竹). Wu Yi went out to surrender. Liu Zhang sent Li Yan and Fei Guan (費觀) to take over the command of Mianzhu. Li Yan may refer to Li Yan (Three Kingdoms, Chinese official during Three Kingdoms period Li Yan (footballer, Chinese footballer They too surrendered. The remnant force under command of Liu Zhang's son Liu Xun retreated to defend Luo (雒, north west of Chengdu). ( located in southwest People's Republic of China, is the capital of Sichuan province and a Sub-provincial city. Pang Tong was killed by a stray arrow. Páng Tǒng (龐統 178 - 214 Courtesy name Shiyuan (士元 was an advisor to Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and during the

In 214 Luo fell, Liu Bei proceeded to siege Chengdu, where he was joined by Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, who made incursion into Yi Province via southern routes. Events By Place Roman Empire The kingdom of Osroene becomes a Province of the Roman Empire. Zhuge Liang (181–234 was Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China Zhang Fei (?-221 AD was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. For the Song Emperor see Emperor Lizong of Song. Zhao Yun (? - 22

Liu Zhang continued to hold out. Ma Chao, warlord from Liang Province (涼州, modern Gansu) that recently submitted to Liu Bei, appeared and set his camp north of Chengdu. Ma Chao (176 – 222 was the eldest son of Ma Teng and a military general during the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of The people in the city were surprised and shaken. Liu Bei sent in Jian Yong to talk to Liu Zhang. Jian Yong, styled Xianhe (憲和 was a minister serving under Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Liu Zhang surrendered.

Liu Bei allowed Liu Zhang to keep his treasure, conferred on him the seal and tassel of General Who Inspires Awe (奮威將軍, Fenwei Jiangjun) and moved him to Gong'an.

Liu Bei now assumed the role of Governor of Yi Province (益州牧, Yizhou Mu) and set up new government. Zhuge Liang was made General Master of the Army (軍師, Junshi) in charge of the Office of the General of the Left (Liu Bei's official office, which meant Zhuge Liang was in charge of all matters), Dong He (董和) was made General of the Gentlemen of the Household Manager of the Army (掌軍中郎將, Zhangjun Zhonglangjiang), acting deputy to Zhuge Liang. Old and new followers were granted ranks and given responsibilities.

First Wu-Shu conflict

In 215, Sun Quan sent Zhuge Jin as emissary to demand Jing Province back. Events By Place Roman Empire Caracalla 's troops massacre the population of Alexandria Egypt. Sun Quan ( (182 - 252 son of Sun Jian, courtesy name Zhòngmóu (仲謀 formally Emperor Da of (Eastern Wu was the founder of Eastern Wu Zhūgé Jǐn ( AD 174 – 241 courtesy name Ziyu ( Wade-Giles: Tzŭ-yu) (子瑜 was a minister for the Kingdom of Wu during Liu Bei refused. Sun Quan sent Lu Meng and 20000 men to attack southern Jing Province, Lu Su to advance to Yiyang (益陽) with 10000 men (to block Guan Yu), and took over the command at Lukou (陸口) himself. Lü Meng (178 - 219 was a renowned officer under Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms period of China. Lu Su (172 - 217 styled Zijing (子敬 was an advisor for the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Liu Bei himself went to Gong'an and sent Guan Yu to retake the south of Jing Province. Guan Yu ( Chinese: 關羽 Guān Yǔ was a general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of

Because Cao Cao was moving against Hanzhong, Liu Bei requested a truce. Hanzhong ( is a city in Shaanxi province in central China. Population (2004 approx Sun Quan accepted, setting the new border on Xiang River. The Xiang River (also as Xiangjiang, Xiangjiang River, or simply as Xiang, Chinese: 湘江 湘水 or 湘 Pinyin: Xiāng Jiāng

Hanzhong Campaign

In the fall of 215, Cao Cao had defeated Zhang Lu and took over Hanzhong. Events By Place Roman Empire Caracalla 's troops massacre the population of Alexandria Egypt. Zhang Lu (? - 216 was a warlord during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Sima Yi advised him to take the opportunity to attack Yi Province while it was still newly settled and Liu Bei was still away in Jing Province. Sima Yi (179 - 251 was a strategist general and politician of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Cao Cao hesitated, then left, leaving Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, Xu Huang to defend Hanzhong. Xiahou Yuan (? &ndash 219 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Zhang He (167 &ndash 231 was a distinguished military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms Xu Huang (169 &ndash 227 was a prominent military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao and his successor Cao Pi during the late Eastern Han Dynasty

Cao Cao entrusted Zhang He to take charge of operations in the region of Ba (巴). Zhang He led his army to Dangqu (宕渠). Liu Bei appointed Zhang Fei Administrator of Baxi (巴西太守, Baxi Taishou) and sent him to face Zhang He. Zhang Fei (?-221 AD was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. They faced each other for two months. Zhang Fei made a surprise attack and complete defeated him. Zhang He had to retreat to Nanzheng (南鄭). The Ba region hence belonged to Liu Bei.

In 217, Fa Zheng advised Liu Bei to attack Hanzhong, because "Xiahou Yuan and Zhang He are no match for our commanders. Events By Place Roman Empire April 8 — Caracalla is Assassinated (and succeeded by his Praetorian Guard " Liu Bei sent Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Wu Lan (吳蘭) and others to Xiabian (下辨), Wudu (武都) (to block reinforcement from Chang'an, while he and the rest of the army camped at Yangping Pass (陽平關). Ma Chao (176 – 222 was the eldest son of Ma Teng and a military general during the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chang'an ( is an ancient Capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history. Cao Cao sent Cao Hong to face them. Cao Hong (? - 233 was a general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms era of China.

In Spring 218, Cao Hong, assisted by Cao Xiu, defeated and killed Wu Lan. Events By Place Roman Empire May 16 — Elagabalus is declared Roman Emperor Cao Xiu (174 &ndash 228 was a military general under the powerful warlord Cao Cao and succeeding rulers of the Kingdom of Wei during the late Eastern Han Zhang Fei and Ma Chao retreated.

Liu Bei was facing Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, and Xu Huang at Yangping Pass. He sent Chen Shi and others to barricade Mamingge (馬鳴閣), but Chen Shi was attacked and defeated by Xu Huang. Chen Shi (born 181) was an advisor and general for the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Liu Bei then pressed against Zhang He at Guangshi (廣石) also without success. He sent back instructions to mobilize all the force of Yi Province.

In the Fall, Cao Cao decide to come in person and take command himself. He stopped at Chang'an to collect troops.

Spring 219, Liu Bei and Xiahou Yuan had faced each other for over a year. Events By Place Roman Empire Legions III ''Gallica'' and IV ''Scythica'' are disbanded by Elagabalus after their leaders He moved across to the south of Mian river (沔水) and made camp at Dingjun Mountain. Mount Dingjun (定军山 is a mountain in the Mian County of Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China. Xiahou Yuan made camp at the valley below below to face him. Liu Bei sent 10,000 troops to attack Zhang He at Guangshi by night, and he set fire to the Xiahou Yuan's defense perimeter. Xiahou Yuan had to split his force to fight the fire and reinforce Zhang He. Fa Zheng saw the opportunity, and signalled Liu Bei for an attack. Liu Bei sent Huang Zhong to charge Xiahou Yuan's weakened force from above and completely anihilated them. Huang Zhong (died 220 was a leading military general of the Kingdom of Shu during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of China Xiahou Yuan and Zhao Yong (趙顒), Cao Cao's appointed Inspector of Yi Province, were killed.

Zhang He, elected as replacement commander by Du Xi (杜襲), and Guo Huai, withdrew to Hanzhong, defending the northern bank of Han River. Guo Huai (187 - 255 was a Wei general during the Three Kingdoms era of China who served under Cao Cao. The Han River ( in China was often referred to as Hànshǔi (漢水 "Han water" in antiquity Cao Cao arrived from Chang'an via Yegu Pass (斜谷) with his army. Liu Bei observed "Even if Cao Cao come, he can do nothing. We will hold the Han River. " He led his troops to hold strategic points.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei faced each other across the Han River for several months. As his army became demoralized, dishearten Cao Cao withdrew to Chang'an. Hanzhong hence belonged to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei then sent Meng Da to conquer Fangling (房陵), then Liu Feng, combined with Meng Da, to conquer Shangyong (上庸). Meng Da (d 227 was a general who served under Liu Zhang, Liu Bei, Cao Pi, and Cao Rui during the last years of the Eastern Han Dynasty Liu Feng (192 - 220 was the adopted son of Liu Bei, and served as a general in Liu Bei's army during the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty of China. His campaigning in Hanzhong was thus completed.

Founding of Shu Han

Responding to Cao Cao's ascension to King of Wei (魏王 Wei Wang), in the Fall of 219, Liu Bei declared himself King of Hanzhong (漢中王 Hanzhong Wang) and set his headquarters at Chengdu. Cáo Cāo ( 曹[[wikt 操|操]] 155 &ndash March 15, 220) was a regional Warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Events By Place Roman Empire Legions III ''Gallica'' and IV ''Scythica'' are disbanded by Elagabalus after their leaders ( located in southwest People's Republic of China, is the capital of Sichuan province and a Sub-provincial city. He appointed Liu Shan Heir-apparent. Liu Shan, (commonly mispronounced as Liu Chan) (207 &ndash 271 was the second and last emperor of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era Wei Yan was made General Who Maintains Distant Lands in Peace (鎮遠將軍 , Zhenyuan Jiangjun), and Administrator of Hanzhong (漢中太守 Hanzhong Taishou), Xu Jing Grand Tutor (太傅 Taifu), Fa Zheng Prefect of the Masters of Writing (尚書令 Shangshu Ling), Guan Yu General of the Van (前將軍 Qian Jiangjun), Zhang Fei General of the Right (右將軍 You Jiangjun), Ma Chao General of the Left (左將軍 Zuo Jiangjun), and Huang Zhong General of the Rear (後將軍 Hou Jiangjun). Wei Yan (?&ndash234 was a military general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Xu Jing (d 222 was a minister under that of Shu, and brother to Xu Zijiang. All of Liu Bei's officers were granted promotion.

In the same year, forces of Sun Quan led by Lü Meng captured Guan Yu, who was promptly executed, and conquered Jing Province. A year later, Cao Cao died and his successor Cao Pi forced Emperor Xian to abdicate. Cao Pi (曹丕 187 - June 29, 226) formally Emperor Wen of (Cao Wei (曹魏文帝 Courtesy name Zihuan (子桓 was Cao Pi then declared himself emperor of Cao Wei. Upon hearing the rumor that Emperor Xian had been usurped, Liu Bei also declared himself emperor of Shu Han so as to carry on the lineage of the Han Dynasty.

In 221, Liu Bei made his son Liu Shan the heir apparent. Events By Place Roman Empire June 26 — Emperor Elagabalus adopts Alexander Severus as his heir

Defeat and death

Main article: Battle of Yiling

In autumn, he personally led a force against Sun Quan to avenge Guan Yu and retake Jing province. After initial victories, Lu Xun, commander-in-chief of the Eastern Wu forces, ordered a retreat to Yiling (present day Yichang, Hubei). Lu Xun (183 &ndash 245 was an officer of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms era of China. Eastern Wu ( Chinese: 東吳 Pinyin: Dōng Wú also known as Sun Wu ( Traditional Chinese: 孫吳 pinyin Sūn Wú refers to a Yichang (宜昌 Pinyin: Yíchāng is a Prefecture-level city in Hubei province of China. Yichang (宜昌 Pinyin: Yíchāng is a Prefecture-level city in Hubei province of China. ( Postal map spelling: Hupeh) is a central province of the People's Republic of China. There he held his position and refused to engage with the invaders.

By summer, Liu Bei's troops were scorched and low in morale. Liu Bei was forced to camp within the forest for shade. Lu Xun then ordered a counterattack. Using fire, he easily set Liu Bei's entire campground ablaze and forced the enemy to retreat west to Ma'an Hill (馬鞍山, northwest of Yiling, not to be confused with Ma'anshan, Anhui). Administration The Prefecture-level city of Ma'anshan administers 4 county-level divisions, including 3 districts and 1 county Anhui (in Chinese: 安徽 Ānhuī) is a province of the People's Republic of China. Lu Xun's force then besieged the hill. With most of his troops routed, Liu Bei escaped under cover of the night to Baidicheng. The two parties made peace again in the winter of the same year.

Liu Bei died in Baidicheng in the spring of 223. His body was brought back to Chengdu and entombed at Huiling (惠陵, southern suburb of present day Chengdu) four months later. He was given the posthumous name of Zhaolie (昭烈), literally meaning apparent uprightness. Liu Shan, who succeeded him, eventually surrendered to Cao Wei in 263.

Liu Bei in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Block print portrait of Liu Bei from a Qing Dynasty edition of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a 14th century historical novel based on the events that occurred before and during the Three Kingdoms era. Not to be confused with Qin Dynasty, the first dynasty of Imperial China Romance of the Three Kingdoms ( written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese Historical novel based upon events in Written by Luo Guanzhong more than a millennium after the period said, the novel incorporated many popular folklore and opera scripts into the character of Liu Bei, portraying him as a compassionate and righteous leader who built his kingdom on the basis of Confucian values. This is in line with the historical background of the times during which the novel was written. Furthermore, the author acknowledged the legitimacy of Liu Bei's claim to the throne, since Liu Bei was related, however distantly, to the ruling family of the Han Dynasty. Famous and notable stories involving Liu Bei from the novel include:

Sworn brotherhood in the garden of peach blossoms

Main article: Oath of the Peach Garden

One of the most well-known stories from the novel, found in the first chapter, speaks of Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei who, having met by chance in the county of Zhuo in 188, found that all three shared the same desire to serve the country in the tumultuous times. The Oath of the Peach Garden (桃園三結義 was an Oath in the Historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, by which the three warriors Events By Place Roman Empire Pertinax becomes Consul of Africa. They swore to be brothers the next day in Zhang Fei's backyard, which was a garden full of peach blossoms. Liu Bei was ranked the eldest, Guan Yu the second, and Zhang Fei the youngest. Having done this, they recruited more than 300 local men, acquired horses, forged weapons and joined the resistance against the Yellow Turban rebels.

There is no record of the three ever swearing brotherhood. The concept was passed down in popular folklore. The Records of Three Kingdoms says the three often shared a bed, and treated one another as brothers. The Records of Three Kingdoms ( is the official and authoritative historical text on the period of Three Kingdoms covering from 189 to 280, According to a later biography of Guan Yu, he was a year older than Liu Bei.

General worship of Liu Bei

Liu Bei is also worshipped as the patron of shoemakers in Chengdu, which is also known as the "City of Shoes" as more than 80 million pairs of shoes totaling 5 billion RMB in sales are manufactured there annually. It was said that in 1845, during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor, the shoemakers guild in Chengdu who called themselves disciples of Liu Bei sponsored the construction of the Sanyi Temple (三義廟) in Liu Bei's honor. Year 1845 ( MDCCCXLV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The Daoguang Emperor ( September 16, 1782 – February 25, 1850) was the seventh emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty After many times of relocation, the temple can be found in Wuhou District today. Wuhou District ( Chinese: 武侯区 is a District of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, China. Since Mainland China loosened its control on religious practices in recent years, the worship of Liú Bèi among shoemakers had again gained popularity in Chengdu. On July 1, 2005, a large procession was carried out in front of the Sanyi Temple to commemorate Liu Bei—the first such event since the founding of the People's Republic of China. "July 1st" redirects here For the Ayumi Hamasaki song see H (song. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Talk People's Republic of China) PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES ^[2]

A commentary carried by the Yangtse Evening News (揚子晚報) criticized such practice as mere commercial gimmick to exploit the fame of Liu Bei. ^[3] It argued that although Liu Bei sold straw-woven shoes and mats for a living when he was young, he was hardly the inventor of shoes. According to legends, it was Yu Ze (于則) who made the first pairs of shoes with softwood during the time of the Yellow Emperor. Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, is a Legendary Chinese sovereign and cultural hero who is considered in Chinese mythology to be the However, the criticisms did not dampen the enthusiastic shoe industry owners in their decision to erect a statue of Liu Bei in the West China Shoes Centre Industrial Zone, which is still under construction in Wuhou District as of August 2005. Other names In Arabic, the month is called أغسطسص ʾUġusṭuṣ or آب ʾĀb; usage varies from place to place and

Modern references

Video games

Liu Bei as he appears in Koei's Dynasty Warriors 6. This article is about the software company For the Japanese era name see Kōei (era. is a Hack and slash video game set in Ancient China, called Three Kingdoms and the sixth official installment in the Dynasty Warriors series

• Liu Bei appears as a humble and virtuous playable character in Koei's popular Dynasty Warriors video game series, in which his weapon of choice are two swords called "Strength and Virtue". This article is about the software company For the Japanese era name see Kōei (era. is a series of tactical action Video games created by Koei. The award-winning series Games Original game

• He also appears in another Koei title, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. is a Computer and Video game that originated from Japan. It is a series of turn-based computerized wargames by Koei. The standard storyline of the game follows the plot of the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms more closely than Dynasty Warriors, wherein Liu Bei rises from a rogue leader to a sovereign. Player's actions, however, determine the development of events, which could deviate vastly from the original plot.

• Liu Bei is also the protagonist in Destiny of an Emperor, a role-playing game on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). is a traditional Role-playing game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The Nintendo Entertainment System (often abbreviated as NES or simply Nintendo) is an 8-bit Video game console that was released by Released in the United States by Capcom in 1989, the game also loosely follows the plot of the historical novel. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the For the original NASA meaning see capsule communicator. is a leading Japanese International developer Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar)

• Liu Bei's armour (based on the designs appearing in the Dynasty Warriors series) is available in the MMORPG, MapleStory. A massively multiplayer online role-playing game ( MMORPG) is a genre of Computer role-playing games (CRPGs in which a large number of players interact with MapleStory (메이플스토리 is a free-of-charge, 2D, Side-scrolling Massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Also featured is Cao Cao, Guan Yu, Zhuge Liang, Sun Quan, and Diao Chan's designs. Diao Chan was one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She was said to have been born in 161 or 169 AD depending on the source

• Liu Bei also appears in Warriors Orochi, where he is kidnapped by Orochi and eventually rescued by the coalition army led by Zhao Yun. Warriors Orochi, known in Japan as, is a PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 Hack and slash Video game developed by Koei For the Song Emperor see Emperor Lizong of Song. Zhao Yun (? - 22

Personal information

• Father
  • Liu Hong (劉弘), descendant of Liu Sheng (劉勝), Prince Jing of Zhongshan, son of Emperor Jing of Han
• Uncles
  • Liu Yuanqi (劉元起), Liu Hong's younger brother
• Wives
  • Lady Mi
  • Lady Sun (孫尚香 Sun Shangxiang), daughter of Sun Jian and sister of Sun Ce and Sun Quan (married 209, effectively divorced 211)
  • Empress Wu (吳皇后) (created 221, d. Liu Bei (161– June 21 223) styled Xuándé (玄徳 was a general warlord and later the founding emperor of Shu Han during the Liu Sheng ( Prince Jing of Zhongshan ( 中山靖王, d 113 BCE was a Chinese prince of the Western Han dynasty. Early life and career as crown prince Emperor Jing was born to Emperor Wen, then Prince of Dai, and Consort Dou, one of his favorite consorts in Liu Bei (161– June 21 223) styled Xuándé (玄徳 was a general warlord and later the founding emperor of Shu Han during the Liu Bei (161– June 21 223) styled Xuándé (玄徳 was a general warlord and later the founding emperor of Shu Han during the Lady Mi (? - 208) was the first wife of Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms period in China. Life Sister of the founding Emperor of Eastern Wu (Sun Quan Lady Sun was the only recorded daughter of Sun Jian and Lady Wu. Sun Jian (155 &ndash 191 was a military general and minor Warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era in ancient China Sun Ce (175 &ndash 200 was a military general and Warlord during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era in ancient China. Sun Quan ( (182 - 252 son of Sun Jian, courtesy name Zhòngmóu (仲謀 formally Emperor Da of (Eastern Wu was the founder of Eastern Wu For the area code see Area code 209. Events By Place Roman Empire Publius Septimius Geta receives For the N11 code see 2-1-1. Events By Place Roman Empire Septimus Severus dies in Britain Empress Wu (吳皇后 personal name unknown (died 245 formally Empress Mu (穆皇后 literally "the just empress" was an Empress of Shu Han Events By Place Roman Empire June 26 — Emperor Elagabalus adopts Alexander Severus as his heir 245)
• Major Concubine
  • Lady Gan (甘, personal name unknown), mother of Liu Shan, died sometime before 210, later posthumously honored as Empress Zhaolie
• Children
  • Liu Shan (劉禪), the Crown Prince, later emperor
  • Liu Yong (劉永), initially the Prince of Lu (created 221), later Prince of Ganling (created 230)
    • One son whose name is unknown
      • Liu Xuan (劉玄), last heir of Liu Bei (created and died unknown)
  • Liu Li (劉理), initially the Prince of Liang (created 221), later Prince Dao of Anping (created 230, d. Events By Place Roman Empire Emperor Philip the Arab entrusts future emperor Trajan Decius with an important command on the Concubinage is the state of a woman or youth in an ongoing quasi-matrimonial relationship with a man of higher social status Lady Gan was Liu Bei 's second wife and mother of Liu Shan. Very little is mentioned about her Liu Shan, (commonly mispronounced as Liu Chan) (207 &ndash 271 was the second and last emperor of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era Events By Place Roman Empire Caracalla is Consul. Having suffered heavy losses since invading Scotland Liu Shan, (commonly mispronounced as Liu Chan) (207 &ndash 271 was the second and last emperor of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms era Events By Place Roman Empire June 26 — Emperor Elagabalus adopts Alexander Severus as his heir Events By Place Roman Empire Taxes are increased in order to maintain the unity and defense of the Empire Events By Place Roman Empire June 26 — Emperor Elagabalus adopts Alexander Severus as his heir Events By Place Roman Empire Taxes are increased in order to maintain the unity and defense of the Empire 244)
    • Liu Yin (劉胤)
    • Liu Cheng (劉丞)
    • Liu Ji (劉執)
  • Two daughters who were captured by Cao Chun in the Battle of Changban. Events By Place Roman Empire February 11 — Emperor Gordian III is killed by his Praetorian Prefect Philip the Liu Yin may refer to Liu Yin (Southern Han - Late Tang Dynasty official and father of the founder of the Southern Han kingdom Liu Ji ( July 1 1311 — 16 May 1375) Courtesy name Bowen (伯温 Posthumous name Wencheng (文成 Cao Chun (170 &ndash 210 was a Cavalry general under the powerful Warlord Cao Cao during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms The Battle of Changban ( took place at Changban (near the modern-day city of Jingmen in Hubei Province) China in the year 208.
• Adopted Child
  • Liu Feng (劉封) (forced to commit suicide 220)

See also

• Eastern Han Dynasty
• Personages of the Three Kingdoms
• Tables of Chinese Sovereigns
• Records of Three Kingdoms

Notes

References

• de Crespigny, Rafe. Dr Rafe de Crespigny (full name Richard Rafe Champion de Crespigny; born 1936 is a retired Adjunct Professor with the China and Korea Centre Australian National University "To Establish Peace: being the Chronicle of the Later Han dynasty for the years 189 to 220 AD as recorded in Chapters 59 to 69 of the Zizhi tongjian of Sima Guang". Volume 1. Faculty of Asian Studies, The Australian National University, Canberra. The Australian National University, commonly abbreviated to ANU, is a public Research university situated in Canberra, Australia. 1996. ISBN 0-7315-2526-4.
• de Crespigny, Rafe. Dr Rafe de Crespigny (full name Richard Rafe Champion de Crespigny; born 1936 is a retired Adjunct Professor with the China and Korea Centre Australian National University "To Establish Peace: being the Chronicle of the Later Han dynasty for the years 189 to 220 AD as recorded in Chapters 59 to 69 of the Zizhi tongjian of Sima Guang". Volume 2. Faculty of Asian Studies, The Australian National University, Canberra. The Australian National University, commonly abbreviated to ANU, is a public Research university situated in Canberra, Australia. 1996. ISBN 0-7315-2536-1.
• Fang, Achilles. "The Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms (220–265). Chapters 69–78 from the Tzu Chih T'ung Chien of Ssu-ma Kuang". Volume 1. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 1952.
• Sima, Guang. Zizhi Tongjian
• Chen Shou (2002). San Guo Zhi. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 7-80665-198-5.  
• Luo Guanzhong (1986). San Guo Yan Yi. Yue Lu Shu She. ISBN 7-80520-013-0.  
• Lo Kuan-chung; tr. C. H. Brewitt-Taylor (2002). Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0-8048-3467-9.  

External links

• Comprehensive biography of Liú Bèi from Kongming's Archive
• Original text of Liú Bèi's biography from the Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms (in simplified Chinese)