| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 韩哀侯, 韓哀侯, Hán Āi Hóu |
| Other name | Hàn Ai Hầu |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 415 BC |
| Birth Place | Yangdi, State of Han (韩国阳翟; Dương Địch, nước Hàn) |
| Died | 374 BC |
| Death Reason | Assassinated by minister Han Yan (韩严) |
| FAMILY | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Han (Warring States Period) |
King Ai of Han (韩哀侯, Hán Ai hầu; personal name Han Dun 韩国君主; d. 374 BC), was the fourth monarch of the State of Han during the Warring States period (reigned 376–374 BC).
Despite his brief reign, King Ai achieved one of the most consequential military triumphs in Han’s history: the total conquest and annexation of the State of Zheng (郑国). After decades of conflict, King Ai led Han armies to storm the Zheng capital of Xinzheng, executing Duke You of Zheng and moving Han’s national capital to Xinzheng, thereby catapulting Han into the ranks of the Seven Warring States.
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 45, House of Han): “In the second year of Marquis Ai, Han destroyed Zheng and annexed its territory, relocating its capital to Xinzheng.”
King Ai of Han — Historical & Literary Timeline
376 BC
Accession to the Throne
Succeeds his father Marquis Wen of Han as ruler of Han.
375 BC
The Conquest of Zheng
Crushes the defending forces of Zheng, capturing and executing Duke You of Zheng.
375 BC
Capital Relocation
Moves Han’s national capital to the strategically vital city of Xinzheng.
374 BC
Assassination
Killed in a palace conspiracy led by Han Guibo; succeeded by Marquess Yi of Han.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Marquis Wen of Han (韩文侯): Preceding ruler who expanded Han’s military power.
- Son & Successor Marquess Yi of Han (韩懿侯): Continued Han’s territorial consolidation.
Friends
- Warring States Allies Marquis Wu of Wei (Wei Ji): Allied ruler of Wei during the Tripartite Partition of Jin.
Enemies
- Conquered Rival Duke You of Zheng (郑幽公): Last independent ruler of Zheng, slain when Han annexed his realm.
- Conspirator Han Guibo (韩傀 / 严遂 faction): Court conspirator whose plots led to King Ai’s assassination.
Other
- Legalist Reformers Early Han administrative ministers: Paved the way for Shen Buhai’s legalist reforms.
In Shiji
"By swallowing Zheng, Han secured the heartland of the central plains and stood proud among the great powers."
Historical Context
Annexing Zheng transformed Han from a precarious frontier realm into an economic powerhouse controlling the fertile Central Plains.
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