Li Yuan's victory at Huoyi cleared the path to the Sui capital and directly preceded the founding of the Tang dynasty in 618.
Key Facts
- Date
- 8 September 617
- Li Yuan's force size
- ~25,000 troops
- Sui force size
- 20,000–30,000 troops
- Capital captured
- Daxingcheng (Xi'an), November 617
- Tang dynasty proclaimed
- 618, by Li Yuan
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Li Yuan, the rebel Duke of Tang, was marching south along the Fen River with roughly 25,000 soldiers to seize the Sui imperial capital, Daxingcheng. Heavy rainfall stalled his advance for two weeks before a Sui elite army of 20,000 to 30,000 men intercepted him at the town of Huoyi, forcing a major engagement.
Li Yuan's cavalry, led by his two eldest sons, drew the Sui forces out from behind Huoyi's city walls. After an initial Sui repulse of the rebel main body, the tide turned—whether through a stratagem, reinforcement arrival, or a flanking maneuver that placed rebel cavalry behind the Sui lines—causing the Sui troops to rout toward Huoyi, where Li Yuan's cavalry cut off their retreat.
Following the battle, Li Yuan captured the lightly defended town of Huoyi and pressed on to Daxingcheng, which fell to his forces in November 617. The following year, Li Yuan deposed the Sui emperor and proclaimed himself ruler, establishing the Tang dynasty.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Li Yuan, Li Jiancheng (eldest son of Li Yuan), Li Shimin (second son of Li Yuan).
Side B
1 belligerent