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Zhang Xianzhong

Type Figure Region China Time 1606–1647 Also known as Eighth Prince、Ancestor of Great Xi

Zhang Xianzhong (1606–1647) was a late-Ming peasant rebel leader from Yan'an, Shaanxi.…

Timeline

  1. 1631–1635Shaanxi · ShaanxiDuring the Chongzhen era Zhang Xianzhong rose in revolt in Shaanxi, calling himself the Eighth Prince. In 1635 he took part in the Xingyang assembly, where with Li Zicheng and others he jointly planned a divided campaign; he then led his forces east into Henan and the Southern Zhili, becoming an important contingent of the late-Ming peasant armies.
  2. 1637–1639Huguang · HuguangIn the tenth year of Chongzhen (1637) Zhang Xianzhong rose again, leading his forces into Huguang and capturing city after city. After accepting imperial amnesty in 1638 he rebelled once more, fighting Ming forces fiercely in Huguang in 1639; his power expanded again, laying the foundation for his later entry into Sichuan.
  3. 1640Sichuan · SichuanAround the thirteenth year of Chongzhen (1640) Zhang Xianzhong led his forces toward Sichuan, engaging Ming troops under Yang Zhan and others. Over the following years he penetrated deep into Ba-Shu, finally establishing the Great Xi regime in Chengdu in 1644.

Sources