| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 诸葛诞, 諸葛誕, Zhūgě Dàn |
| Nickname | General Who Guards the East |
| Other name | Gia Cát Đản |
| Courtesy name | 公休, 公休, Gōngxiū, Gong Xiu, tự Công Hưu |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Yangdu County, Langya Commandery (琅邪郡阳都县; huyện Dương Đô, quận Lang Nha) |
| Died | 258 |
| Death Reason | Executed after the defeat of his rebellion at Shouchun (寿春; Thọ Xuân) (258 AD) |
| FAMILY | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Cao Wei |
| Battles | Siege of Shouchun, Rebellion of Shouchun |
Biography & Historical Record
Zhuge Dan (died 258 AD), courtesy name Gongxiu, was a military general and statesman of the Cao Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period. Born in Yangdu, Langye Commandery, he belonged to the illustrious Zhuge clan, serving as a cousin to Zhuge Liang of Shu Han and Zhuge Jin of Eastern Wu. Known for his refined administrative skills, strict demeanor, and strong sense of pride, he maintained close ties with prominent literati and officials such as Xiahou Xuan. Throughout his career, Zhuge Dan defended the eastern borders of Wei against Eastern Wu and held significant regional responsibilities. However, as the political landscape of Cao Wei shifted under the dominant regency of the Sima family, Zhuge Dan grew increasingly suspicious and fearful of a purge, particularly after the execution of Xiahou Xuan and the suppression of Guanqiu Jian’s rebellion. In 257 AD, refusing an imperial summons to the capital, Zhuge Dan launched a massive armed rebellion at Shouchun, expelling loyalist administrators, securing grain reserves, and seeking military backing from Eastern Wu. Sima Zhao personally led a powerful northern punitive army to surround Shouchun in a protracted siege. As provisions ran out and relief forces from Wu under Zhu Yi were defeated, the defense crumbled in 258 AD. Zhuge Dan attempted to flee but was captured and executed alongside his entire household and loyal retainers, who famously chose death over surrender.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Dan is portrayed as a cautious, proud, and politically anxious official whose fate becomes tragically intertwined with the waning years of Cao Wei. Representing a branch of the famous Zhuge lineage, his character underscores the division of the legendary family across rival realms. In Chapter 113, upon witnessing the brutal purges and executions orchestrated by the Sima clan, Zhuge Dan fears he will be next. Encouraged by his staff, he occupies Shouchun, cuts off communications, and raises the banner of rebellion, sending his son as a hostage to Eastern Wu to secure an alliance.
During the historic siege of Shouchun in Chapter 114, Zhuge Dan endures harsh conditions as Sima Zhao’s forces tighten the blockade. Despite desperate attempts by Wu generals to break the siege, internal discord and clever psychological tactics deployed by the Wei army ruin the defenders’ morale. Zhuge Dan’s rebellion meets a bloody end when he is slain during an escape attempt, marking the final major military uprising against the Sima family’s rise to supreme power.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “The Sima clan seeks to usurp the state and slaughter all loyal ministers. We must hold Shouchun and fight to preserve the mandate of Wei!” — Zhuge Dan rallying his garrison before the Shouchun rebellion.
Zhuge Dan (諸葛誕) — Historical & Literary Timeline
255 AD
Apprehension Over Political Purges
Following the defeat of Guanqiu Jian and the execution of Xiahou Xuan, Zhuge Dan grows deeply uneasy regarding Sima Zhao’s tightening grip on the Cao Wei court.
257 AD
Launching the Shouchun Rebellion
Refusing an imperial order summoning him to Luoyang, Zhuge Dan seals the city of Shouchun, gathers 100,000 troops, and openly rebels against Sima Zhao.
257–258 AD
The Prolonged Siege of Shouchun
Sima Zhao leads a massive northern army to blockade Shouchun. Zhuge Dan withstands early assaults while awaiting reinforcements from Eastern Wu.
258 AD
Fall of Shouchun and Execution
With food supplies exhausted and Wu relief forces routed, Shouchun falls to the besiegers. Zhuge Dan is captured and executed along with his entire clan.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Zhuge Dan on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): Cousin and prominent statesman of Shu Han, representing the division of the Zhuge clan across rival states.
- Zhuge Jin (诸葛瑾, Gia Cát Cẩn): Cousin and high-ranking official of Eastern Wu, further illustrating the family’s split loyalties.
- Zhuge Jing (诸葛靓, Gia Cát Tịnh): Son of Zhuge Dan who was sent to Eastern Wu as a hostage during the rebellion and later served the Jin dynasty.
Friends
- Xiahou Xuan (夏侯玄, Hạ Hầu Huyền): A close associate and fellow official whose execution by the Sima clan served as a primary catalyst for Zhuge Dan’s fear and eventual rebellion.
- Wen Qin (文钦, Văn Khâm): A Wei general who defected to Eastern Wu and later joined Zhuge Dan inside Shouchun to resist Sima Zhao during the 257 AD uprising.
Enemies
- Sima Zhao (司马昭, Tư Mã Chiêu): The regent of Cao Wei who led the punitive campaign to suppress the Shouchun rebellion in 257–258 AD and ordered Zhuge Dan’s execution.
- Jia Chong (贾充, Giả Sung): A key strategist under Sima Zhao who played a significant role in the military campaign that led to the fall of Shouchun.
- Zhu Yi (朱异, Chu Dị): An Eastern Wu general who attempted to provide relief to Shouchun but was defeated by Wei forces, contributing to the collapse of Zhuge Dan’s defense.
Other
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 110
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản): Zhuge Dan serves as the Wei commander responsible for the eastern campaign against Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin. Sima Shi appoints him to command the forces in Yuzhou and orders him to take Shouchun. Zhuge Dan's troops seize Shouchun while Wen Qin is forced to retreat. After the rebellion is suppressed, Sima Shi formally promotes Zhuge Dan to command the armies of Yangzhou.
Chapter 111
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản): After Sima Zhao succeeds Sima Shi, Zhuge Dan becomes increasingly alarmed by the Sima family's control of Wei. He occupies Shouchun and openly rebels against Sima Zhao, claiming that Sima Zhao has usurped imperial authority. He gathers more than 100,000 troops from Huainan and Yangzhou, stores grain and supplies, and sends his son Zhuge Sheng to Eastern Wu as a hostage to secure military assistance. Wu sends 70,000 troops under Quan Yi, Quan Duan, Yu Quan, Zhu Yi, Tang Zi, and Wen Qin to support him. Zhuge Dan organizes the defense of Shouchun and joins the Wu forces in fighting Wei.
Chapter 112
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản): Zhuge Dan commands the rebel and Wu forces in the campaign against Sima Zhao. His attack is defeated by a Wei deception using abandoned livestock as bait, forcing him back into Shouchun. Zhong Hui advises Sima Zhao to leave the southern gate open and strike the Wu relief army, which isolates Zhuge Dan's defense. As the siege continues, supplies diminish and commanders begin surrendering. Zhuge Dan becomes increasingly suspicious and harsh, even threatening to kill advisers who suggest a final sortie. When Wei troops finally break into Shouchun, Zhuge Dan attempts to escape through a side route with several hundred followers but is intercepted by Hu Fen, who kills him. Sima Zhao then orders the execution of Zhuge Dan's family, while hundreds of his loyal retainers refuse to surrender and are executed.
In History
Summary
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản), courtesy name Gongxiu, was a Wei general and member of the prominent Zhuge family.
Year: 257 AD
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản) rebelled against Sima Zhao in Shouchun and requested assistance from Eastern Wu.
Year: 258 AD
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản) was defeated and killed after the fall of Shouchun.
Historical Record
- Zhuge Dan (诸葛诞, Gia Cát Đản) was a real historical military commander whose rebellion was one of the major challenges to Sima clan rule.
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