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Fuchai

Type Figure Region Wu Time c. -521–-473 Also known as King Fuchai of Wu

Fuchai was the last king of Wu in the late Spring and Autumn period, r. c.495–473 BCE;…

Timeline

  1. -495–-494Capital of Wu · WuFuchai succeeded Helü as King of Wu, vowing to avenge his father. In 494 BCE he crushed the Yue army at Fujiao; Goujian retreated to Kuaiji and sued for peace, and Fuchai accepted his submission and released him to return home.
  2. c. -494–-484Ailing · QiYear after year Fuchai campaigned north against Qi; in 484 BCE he decisively defeated Qi at Ailing, capturing Qi grandees, and dug the Han Canal linking the Yangtze and Huai rivers, striving for hegemony in the Central Plains while relaxing his guard against Yue.
  3. c. -482–-473Gusu · WuGoujian exploited Fuchai's absence at the covenant of Huangchi and the state's vulnerability to attack Wu; Yue forces besieged Gusu for years, and in 473 BCE they stormed the Wu capital, whereupon Fuchai killed himself and Wu fell.

Sources