Han Xin

Han Xin
韓信 (Chinese)
Han Xin; 韓信 (Chinese)
Marquis of Huaiyin (淮陰侯)
Tenure	201–196 BC
King of Chu (楚王)
Tenure	202–201 BC
Predecessor	Xiang Yu
Successor	Liu Jiao
King of Qi (齊王)
Tenure	203–202 BC
Predecessor	Tian Guang
Successor	Liu Fei
Personal Details
Born	Unknown; Huaiyin
Died	196 BC; Changle Palace, Chang'an (Modern day Xi'an, Shaanxi)
Allegiance	Xiang Liang; Xiang Yu; Liu Bang
Rank	Captain of the Palace Guards (郎中) 208-206 BC; Captain of Rations(治粟都尉) 206 BC; Commander in Chief (大將軍) 206-202 BC; Left Chancellor (左丞相) 205 BC; Chancellor of Zhao (相國) 204 BC
Notable Battles	Battle of Anyi; Battle of Jingxing; Battle of Wei River; Battle of Gaixia

Han Xin (simplified Chinese: 韩信; traditional Chinese: 韓信; pinyin: Hán Xìn; Wade–Giles: Han²Hsin⁴; ? – early 196 BCE^[1]) was a Chinese military general and politician who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han dynasty. Han Xin was named as one of the "Three Heroes of the early Han dynasty" (Chinese: 漢初三傑), along with Zhang Liang and Xiao He.

Han Xin is best remembered as one of the most brilliant military commanders in Chinese history, renowned for his exceptional strategic intellect and tactical mastery. His innovative use of deception, maneuver warfare, and battlefield psychology set new standards in military art, with several of his campaigns serving as textbook examples of effective command. Han Xin's application of warfare principles not only exemplified but at times expanded upon the teachings of The Art of War, with some of his tactics giving rise to enduring Chinese idioms. Undefeated in every engagement he commanded, his victories were instrumental in the founding of the Han dynasty. For his extraordinary accomplishments, Han Xin earned the legendary title of "God of War" (兵仙) in later Chinese tradition.

In recognition of Han Xin's contributions, Liu Bang conferred the titles of "King of Qi" on him in 203 BCE and "King of Chu" in the following year. However, Liu Bang feared Han Xin's growing influence and gradually reduced his authority, demoting him to "Marquis of Huaiyin" in late 202 BCE. In early 196 BCE, Han Xin was accused of participating in a rebellion, lured into a trap and executed on Empress Lü Zhi’s orders.

^ Vol. 12 of Zizhi Tongjian placed Han Xin's death in the winter (10th to 12th month) of the 11th year of Liu Bang's reign (including his tenure as King of Han). The period corresponds to 23 Nov 197 BCE to 18 Feb 196 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar. In the modified Zhuanxu calendar used during the era, the 11th year of Liu Bang's reign starts from 23 Nov 197 BCE and ends on 11 Nov 196 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar.

[1] Vol. 12 of Zizhi Tongjian placed Han Xin's death in the winter (10th to 12th month) of the 11th year of Liu Bang's reign (including his tenure as King of Han). The period corresponds to 23 Nov 197 BCE to 18 Feb 196 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar. In the modified Zhuanxu calendar used during the era, the 11th year of Liu Bang's reign starts from 23 Nov 197 BCE and ends on 11 Nov 196 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar.

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