← Explore on the interactive map

Wu–Yue Hegemonic Rivalry

Type Event Region China Time -496–-473

The Wu–Yue rivalry was a prolonged military and political struggle between Wu and Yue in the southeast during the late Spring and Autumn period, roug…

Timeline

  1. -496–-494Zuili · ZhejiangKing Helü of Wu attacked Yue and was wounded and killed at the Battle of Zuili. His son Fuchai succeeded him and sought revenge, crushing the Yue army at the Battle of Fujiao; Goujian was forced to sue for peace and serve as a vassal in Wu.
  2. -494–-482Kuaiji · ZhejiangAfter returning home, Goujian governed vigorously, employed Fan Li and Wen Zhong, pursued ten years of population growth and ten years of instruction, secretly built up national strength, and used Fuchai's northern expedition as an opportunity to restore Yue's power.
  3. -482–-473Gusu · JiangsuWith Wu's main force away, Yue attacked repeatedly and in 473 BCE captured Gusu; Fuchai killed himself, Wu was extinguished, and the rivalry ended with Yue's victory and Wu's fall.

Sources