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Sunzi

Type Figure Region East Asia Time c. -544–-496 Also known as Changqing

Sunzi (c. 544–496 BCE) was a famous Chinese military strategist of the late Spring and Autumn period, traditionally regarded as a general of Wu who w…

Timeline

  1. c. -544–-515Le'an, State of Qi · Shandong ProvinceTraditionally born in Le'an, State of Qi, from a family of military officers, he studied the art of war from a young age and later fled south to the State of Wu to escape turmoil in Qi.
  2. c. -515–-512Capital of Wu (Gusu) · Suzhou CityPresented the thirteen chapters of The Art of War to King Helü of Wu, demonstrated strict military discipline by 'executing the concubines to train troops,' was appointed general, and began participating in Wu's military reforms and war preparations.
  3. c. -506–-504Toward the Chu capital Ying · Hubei ProvinceAlong with Wu Zixu and others, led troops deep into Chu territory, decisively defeated the Chu army at the Battle of Baiju, winning five battles in a row and reaching the Chu capital Ying, creating a classic Spring and Autumn example of defeating a larger force with a smaller one on a long-range raid.
  4. c. -504–-496Border of Wu or Yue · Jiangsu ProvinceRecords of his deeds after the defeat of Chu are scarce; tradition holds that he retired in his later years, and his thirteen chapters of military classics were passed down, becoming one of the earliest and most influential works of military theory in the world.

Sources