Xiang Chao

Xiang Chao (项超, Hạng Siêu), was a noble warrior of the State of Chu during the late Warring States period, eldest son of legendary Chu general Xiang Yan and the biological father of China’s immortal Hegemon-King, Xiang Yu (Hạng Vũ).

Dying early during the turbulent wars of Qin’s conquest of Chu, Xiang Chao entrusted his infant son Xiang Yu to his younger brother Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang honored his brother’s sacred memory, raising Xiang Yu with heroic pride and teaching him the martial arts and battlefield stratagems that eventually destroyed the Qin Dynasty.

Role in History (Shiji)

Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 7, Annals of Xiang Yu): “Xiang Yu was the son of Xiang Chao. His father died early; his uncle Xiang Liang raised him and nurtured his titan strength.”

Xiang Chao — Historical & Literary Timeline

Key Relationships

Family

• Son Xiang Yu (项羽, Hạng Vũ – Hegemon-King of Western Chu): Immortal warrior who shattered the Qin Dynasty.
• Father Xiang Yan (项燕): Supreme general of Chu who fell fighting Qin.
• Brother Xiang Liang (项梁): Uncle who raised Xiang Yu to manhood.
• Brother Xiang Bo (项伯): Hero of the Hongmen Banquet.

Friends

• Chu Aristocracy Gentry of Jiangdong: Preserved the Xiang clan heritage.

Enemies

• Qin Conquerors Armies of Wang Jian and Meng Wu: Invaded the State of Chu.

Other

• Dynastic Scribes Annals of Chu: Recorded the lineage of the Hegemon-King.