Cao Cao

Timeline

1. 155–184Qiao County · BozhouCao Cao was born into an official gentry family in Qiao County, Pei Commandery, and was quick-witted in youth. In his early career he served as northern commandant of Luoyang and was known for strict law enforcement. He had already gained official experience before the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out.
2. 184–196Yanzhou · ShandongAfter the Yellow Turban Rebellion Cao Cao raised troops to suppress it, then based himself in Yanzhou to build his power, incorporating the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans as the Qingzhou army, becoming one of the major warlords of the north and steadily accumulating military and political capital.
3. 196–208Xuchang · HenanIn 196 CE he welcomed Emperor Xian of Han to move the capital to Xuchang, controlling the Son of Heaven to command the lords, and was appointed chancellor. He then campaigned north against the Wuhuan and south against Jingzhou, decisively defeated Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu, largely unified the north, and laid the foundation for Cao Wei.
4. 208–220Ye · HebeiAfter the Battle of Red Cliffs his southern campaign faltered, so he turned to developing the north, was enfeoffed as Duke of Wei and advanced to King of Wei, and established Wei state institutions at Ye. In his later years he promoted military-agricultural colonies, recruited talent, and flourished in literature, becoming a leading figure of the Jian'an style. He died of illness in Luoyang in 220 CE; his son Cao Pi succeeded him and soon replaced Han with Wei.