| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 楚威王, 楚威王, Chǔ Wēi Wáng |
| Other name | Sở Uy Vương |
| INFORMATION | |
| Born | c. 370 BC |
| Birth Place | Yingdu, State of Chu (楚国郢都; Sính đô, nước Sở) |
| Died | 329 BC |
| Death Reason | Illness |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | State of Chu |
King Wei of Chu (楚威王, Sở Uy vương; personal name Xiong Shang 熊商; reigned 339–329 BC), was the martial monarch of the State of Chu during the Warring States period, son of King Xuan of Chu.
Reigning for a decade of aggressive expansion, King Wei shattered the State of Yue (越国) in 333 BC, killing King Wujiang of Yue, extinguishing Yue’s royal independence, and annexing all territories along the Yangtze delta (Zhejiang and Jiangsu). King Wei also routed the State of Qi at the Battle of Xuzhou, pursuing Qi forces and forcing King Wei of Qi to sue for peace, expanding Chu’s territory to its absolute maximum historical extent.
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 40, House of Chu): “In the seventh year of King Wei, Chu attacked Yue, slaying King Wujiang and annexing his lands to the sea. Chu defeated Qi at Xuzhou, standing as the supreme realm from the Yellow River to the Southern Seas.”
King Wei of Chu — Historical & Literary Timeline
339 BC
Accession in Ying
Succeeds King Xuan of Chu.
333 BC
The Annihilation of Yue
Crushes King Wujiang of Yue; annexes the Yangtze delta.
333 BC
Battle of Xuzhou
Routs Qi armies at Xuzhou, expanding Chu’s northeastern boundary.
329 BC
Passing in Ying
Dies at the height of Chu’s imperial power; succeeded by King Huai.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father King Xuan of Chu (楚宣王): Preceding monarch.
- Son King Huai of Chu (King Huai): Tragic successor who fell victim to Qin’s deception.
- Grandson King Qingxiang of Chu: Ruler during the sack of Ying.
Friends
- Chu Commanders Grand marshals of the southern armies: Executed the conquest of Yue.
Enemies
- Shattered Rival King Wujiang of Yue (越王无彊): Slain in battle as Yue was extinguished.
- Defeated Monarch King Wei of Qi: Repulsed at Xuzhou.
Other
- Allied Envoy Su Qin (苏秦): Sought Chu’s leadership in the Vertical Alliance.
In Shiji
"The spears of Chu stretched from the mountains of Ba to the eastern sea; King Wei made Chu the largest empire under Heaven."
Historical Context
King Wei's conquest of Yue permanently integrated the rich Jiangnan and coastal regions into Chinese civilization, founding the strategic fortress that later became modern Nanjing.
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