Battle of White Wolf Mountain
207 CE · Mount Bailang (near modern Kazuo, Liaoning) · China · Ancient
Cao Cao went out through Lulong Pass and took byways straight toward Liucheng; at Mount Bailang he suddenly ran into the Wuhuan, and Zhang Liao led the charge and killed Tadun
Belligerents
Cao Cao
- Commanders
- Cao Cao, Zhang Liao
- Strength
- Cao's light cavalry
Wuhuan
- Commanders
- Tadun, Yuan Shang, Yuan Xi
- Strength
- Wuhuan cavalry, tens of thousands
Background
After the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao's sons Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi fled to the Wuhuan, who repeatedly raided southward.
Course of the battle
- Roads impassableHeavy summer rains flooded the coastal road and made it impassable, and Cao Cao's army could hardly advance
- Lulong bywayFollowing Tian Chou's plan, Cao Cao's army set out from Lulong Pass, cut through mountains and filled valleys for more than 500 li, and made straight for Liucheng
- Meeting the enemy at BailangCao Cao's army ran into the main Wuhuan force at Mount Bailang, and Cao Cao, climbing to a height, saw that the enemy line was in disorder
- Tadun slainWith Zhang Liao as vanguard, Cao Cao sent his troops charging in; the Wuhuan were routed and Tadun was beheaded
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 207 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Mount Bailang (near modern Kazuo, Liaoning) |
| Result | Cao Cao went out through Lulong Pass and took byways straight toward Liucheng; at Mount Bailang he suddenly ran into the Wuhuan, and Zhang Liao led the charge and killed Tadun |
| Winner | Cao Cao |
| Casualties | The Wuhuan chanyu Tadun was killed in battle, and more than 200,000 Hu and Han people surrendered |
| Territorial change | Cao Cao eliminated the remnants of the Yuan clan and unified the north |
Impact
The Battle of White Wolf Mountain wiped out the Yuan clan's power entirely; Cao Cao unified the north, preparing for his southward advance on Jing Province the following year.
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