HistoryData
war221

Battle between the states of Shu and Wu (221-222)

August 1, 0221

Wu's decisive victory over Shu at Xiaoting halted the Shu invasion and preceded the death of Shu's founding emperor Liu Bei.

Quick Facts

Year
221
Category
war

Key Facts

Also known as
Battle of Yiling; Battle of Yiling and Xiaoting
Years fought
221–222 CE
Period
Early Three Kingdoms period of China
Outcome
Decisive Eastern Wu victory over Shu Han
Strategic shift
Wu reversed early losses into a defensive stalemate then victory

Location

Map of Yiling, ChinaMap of Yiling, ChinaYiling, China

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The state of Shu Han launched an invasion against Eastern Wu during the early Three Kingdoms period of China. This offensive led to an initial series of losses for Wu, prompting Wu to adopt a defensive strategy to stabilize the front and seek an opportunity to reverse the momentum of the campaign.

Event

The Battle of Xiaoting, fought in 221 and 222 CE, saw Eastern Wu successfully transform a series of early setbacks into a defensive stalemate. Wu forces then exploited this position to launch a decisive counterattack against the invading Shu Han army, achieving a clear and consequential military victory.

Consequence

Wu's victory brought the Shu Han invasion to a halt. The defeat had significant political ramifications for Shu, as it preceded the death of Liu Bei, the founding emperor of Shu Han, effectively ending his ambitions and destabilizing Shu's position among the Three Kingdoms states.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Shu Han

Side B

1 belligerent

Eastern Wu
Outcome
Decisive Eastern Wu victory; Shu Han invasion halted

Timeline Context

Timeline around 221221218219220222223224battle-of-xiaoting-221