Wu Han
Famed general of the founding of the Eastern Han who defeated Gongsun Shu and unified Shu.
Life
Former horse trader
Wu Han was born poor and once made his living trading horses; he joined Liu Xiu on Deng Yu's recommendation. He was plain and taciturn but brave and resolute in battle, and won Liu Xiu's deep trust.
Grand Marshal
When Liu Xiu proclaimed himself emperor in 25 CE, he appointed Wu Han Grand Marshal. Wu Han campaigned east and west, subduing the separatist powers of Hebei and Shandong.
Conquered Ba and Shu
In 36 CE he led his army into Chengdu and destroyed Gongsun Shu, who had held Shu as a separatist, completing the unification of the Eastern Han. But he let his troops plunder freely and burned the palaces, for which Liu Xiu sternly rebuked him. He died in 44 CE.
Legacy
Wu Han was one of the generals with the greatest military merit in the founding of the Eastern Han; by conquering Ba and Shu he completed Liu Xiu's unification.
Major works & achievements
- Defeated Gongsun Shu
Did you know? Liu Xiu said of him that he "fairly lives up to expectations, and stands firm like a rival state," and the idiom "fairly satisfactory" comes from this remark.
Key dates
- 23Joined Liu Xiu on Deng Yu's recommendation
- 25Appointed Grand Marshal
- 36Entered Chengdu and destroyed Gongsun Shu
- 44Died