Battle of Hulao
621 CE · Sishui Town, Xingyang, Henan · China · Early modern
Holding the strategic pass of Hulao, Li Shimin captured Dou Jiande in a single battle, and Wang Shichong surrendered soon after.
Belligerents
Tang
- Commanders
- Li Shimin
- Strength
- About 3,500 elite cavalry (tens of thousands in the main force besieging Luoyang)
Xia · Zheng
- Commanders
- Dou Jiande, Wang Shichong
- Strength
- The Xia army claimed more than 100,000; the Zheng army was besieged in Luoyang
Background
As the Tang army besieged Wang Shichong in Luoyang, Dou Jiande of Hebei came to his aid with a great army, and the Tang divided its forces to hold Hulao Pass.
Course of the battle
- Besieging LuoyangLi Shimin kept Luoyang under a long siege, forcing Wang Shichong to surrender.
- Holding the passA detachment held Hulao to block Dou Jiande's westward advance.
- Decisive battleWaiting until the enemy was exhausted, he unleashed his cavalry to charge their lines and captured Dou Jiande alive.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 621 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Sishui Town, Xingyang, Henan |
| Result | Holding the strategic pass of Hulao, Li Shimin captured Dou Jiande in a single battle, and Wang Shichong surrendered soon after. |
| Winner | Tang |
| Casualties | More than 50,000 Xia troops were captured or killed, and their commander Dou Jiande was taken prisoner. |
| Territorial change | Tang pacified the Central Plains and Hebei at a stroke, essentially securing the unification of the realm. |
Impact
A single battle settled the fate of two rivals: the decisive victory in the Tang dynasty's wars of unification.
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