The capture of Yiwulu was the standout success of the Han dynasty's four-column 73 CE expedition against Xiongnu border raiders.
Key Facts
- Date
- February AD 73
- Combatants
- Han dynasty vs. Xiongnu
- Han columns deployed
- 4 columns
- Departure point
- Jiuquan
- Outcome
- Han victory; capture of Yiwulu
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Han dynasty grew increasingly frustrated with persistent Xiongnu incursions along its northern frontier. In response, the court dispatched four military columns in 73 CE, commissioning generals Dou Gu and Geng Chong to march from Jiuquan against the Xiongnu.
During the multi-column Han expedition, Dou Gu led forces that engaged Xiongnu at Yiwulu. While the broader expedition achieved only minor results elsewhere, the battle at Yiwulu ended in a clear Han victory, with the site being captured by Han forces.
The capture of Yiwulu stood as the single notable achievement of the 73 CE expedition. Most other columns saw limited success, making this engagement the primary military gain of the campaign and demonstrating Han capacity to strike effectively against Xiongnu positions when properly led.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Dou Gu, Geng Chong.
Side B
1 belligerent