Battle of Fangtou
369 CE · Fangtou (modern Xun County, Henan) · China · Ancient
Huan Wen's Northern Expedition advanced to Fangtou but withdrew after its supply line was cut, and was ambushed and crushed by Murong Chui at Xiangyi
Belligerents
Former Yan
- Commanders
- Murong Chui, Murong De
- Strength
- Yan army and Former Qin reinforcements
Eastern Jin
- Commanders
- Huan Wen
- Strength
- Jin army, 50,000
Background
Huan Wen's third Northern Expedition targeted Former Yan.
Course of the battle
- Push north by waterHuan Wen led 50,000 troops north by water, digging a channel of more than 300 li through Juye Marsh to let his boats pass
- Advance to FangtouThe Jin army won battle after battle and reached Fangtou; Former Yan was terrified and asked Former Qin for help
- Supply lines cutMurong Chui held out, the Yan army cut the Jin supply line, and the Shimen waterway could not be opened
- Ambush at XiangyiHuan Wen burned his boats and withdrew overland; Murong Chui pursued with 8,000 cavalry and ambushed and crushed the Jin army at Xiangyi
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 369 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Fangtou (modern Xun County, Henan) |
| Result | Huan Wen's Northern Expedition advanced to Fangtou but withdrew after its supply line was cut, and was ambushed and crushed by Murong Chui at Xiangyi |
| Winner | Former Yan |
| Casualties | Over 30,000 Jin dead |
| Territorial change | Huan Wen's prestige badly damaged |
Impact
The Defeat at Fangtou kept Huan Wen from using the glory of a Northern Expedition to usurp the throne, and made Murong Chui famous throughout the land, though he was later forced to defect to Former Qin.
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