Marquis Ai of Han

Hàn Ai Hầu

NAME
Chinese Name韩哀侯, 韓哀侯, Hán Āi Hóu
Other nameHàn Ai Hầu
INFORMATION
Birth PlaceXinzheng, State of Han (韩国新郑; Tân Trịnh, nước Hàn)
Died374 BC
Death ReasonAssassinated by rebellious ministers
FAMILY
Relatives
CAREER
AllegianceState of Han (Warring States Period)

Marquis Ai of Han (韩哀侯, Hán Ai hầu; d. 374 BC), was the fourth ruler of the State of Han during the Warring States period, celebrated for achieving the historic conquest of the State of Zheng (郑国) in 375 BC.

Leading Han armies across the Central Plains, Marquis Ai eliminated Duke You of Zheng and annexed all Zheng territory, moving Han’s capital to Xinzheng and establishing Han as a premier military power among the Seven Warring States.

Role in History (Shiji)

Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 45): “Marquis Ai extinguished Zheng and took Xinzheng for his throne.”

Marquis Ai of Han — Historical & Literary Timeline

376 BC

Accession

Succeeds Marquis Wen of Han.

375 BC

Conquest of Zheng

Storms Xinzheng and executes Duke You of Zheng.

374 BC

Assassination

Slain in court factional violence; succeeded by Marquess Yi.

Key Relationships

Family

  • Father Marquis Wen of Han (韩文侯): Preceding monarch.
  • Son Marquess Yi of Han (韩懿侯): Successor.

Friends

  • Allied Lords Marquis Wu of Wei (Wei Ji): Tripartite alliance partner.

Enemies

  • Conquered Ruler Duke You of Zheng: Sovereign of the extinguished State of Zheng.

Other

  • Successor Dynasty Kings of Han: Ruled from the new capital at Xinzheng.

In Shiji

"The walls of Xinzheng fell, and Han rose to the rank of the Great Powers."

Historical Context

The annexation of Zheng doubled Han's agricultural wealth and central strategic positioning.

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