Meng Wu (蒙武, Mông Vũ; fl. 220s BC), was a premier military general of the State of Qin during the wars of unification, son of Grand General Meng Ao (Meng Ao) and father of Meng Tian (Meng Tian) and Meng Yi (Meng Yi).
Serving as Deputy Commander alongside supreme general Wang Jian (王翦) in 224 BC, Meng Wu led Qin’s massive six-hundred-thousand-man host to conquer the colossal southern empire of Chu. At the Battle of Qinan, Meng Wu and Wang Jian shattered the Chu army, slaying the supreme Chu commander Xiang Yan (项燕, grandfather of Xiang Yu). In 223 BC, Meng Wu spearheaded the final assault that captured the Chu capital of Shouchun, capturing King Fuchu of Chu, annexing the entire southern half of China, and clearing the path for the proclamation of the First Emperor.
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 73): “Wang Jian and Meng Wu attacked Chu; they routed the Chu army at Qinan, slew Xiang Yan, captured King Fuchu, and annexed Chu to the sea.”
Meng Wu — Historical & Literary Timeline
Warring States
Son of Meng Ao
Trained in grand siegecraft and chariot warfare.
224 BC
The Great Chu Campaign
Appointed Deputy Commander of 600,000 troops alongside Wang Jian.
224 BC
The Slaying of Xiang Yan
Defeats and slays Chu general Xiang Yan at Qinan.
223 BC
Capture of Shouchun
Captures King of Chu; annexes the State of Chu into the Qin Empire.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Meng Ao (蒙骜): Founding patriarch of the Meng military clan.
- Sons Meng Tian (Meng Tian), Meng Yi (蒙毅): Supreme commanders and ministers of Qin Shi Huang.
Friends
- Supreme Marshal Wang Jian (王翦, Vương Tiễn): Supreme general with whom he co-commanded the conquest of Chu.
Enemies
- Slain Chu General Xiang Yan (项燕): Grandfather of Xiang Yu, defeated and slain by Meng Wu.
- Captured Monarch King Fuchu of Chu (楚王负刍): Captured upon the fall of Shouchun.
Other
- First Emperor Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇): Monarch who unified China with Meng Wu’s sword.
In Shiji
"The spears of Meng Wu broke the heart of Chu; from Shouchun to the sea, the banners of Qin flew unbroken."
Historical Context
Meng Wu's annihilation of Xiang Yan directly set the historical stage for Xiang Yu's burning, vengeful hatred of the Qin dynasty two decades later.
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