Battle of Julu
207 BCE · Julu in Zhao (present-day Pingxiang, Hebei) · China · Ancient
Xiang Yu burned his boats and, winning nine battles out of nine, crushed the main Qin army
Belligerents
Chu (anti-Qin rebels)
- Commanders
- Xiang Yu
- Strength
- Tens of thousands of Chu troops (other lords' armies look on)
Qin
- Commanders
- Zhang Han, Wang Li
- Strength
- Qin army, about 400,000
Background
The Qin generals Zhang Han and Wang Li besieged Zhao at Julu, while the relief armies of the other lords looked on from behind their ramparts. Xiang Yu killed Song Yi, seized command, and led the Chu army across the river for a decisive battle.
Course of the battle
- Burning the boatsAfter crossing the Zhang River, Xiang Yu scuttled the boats and smashed the cooking pots to show they would fight to the death
- Nine battles, nine victoriesEach Chu soldier fought like ten in an all-out assault, cutting the Qin walled supply road
- Wang Li capturedThe main Qin army collapsed, Wang Li was captured, and the lords crawled on their knees to pay homage to Xiang Yu
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 207 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Julu in Zhao (present-day Pingxiang, Hebei) |
| Result | Xiang Yu burned his boats and, winning nine battles out of nine, crushed the main Qin army |
| Winner | Chu |
| Casualties | Wang Li's Qin force was destroyed and Wang Li captured; Zhang Han's force later surrendered |
| Territorial change | With its main army wiped out, Qin rule crumbled |
Impact
The decisive battle in which the main Qin army was destroyed, after which Xiang Yu became leader of the anti-Qin alliance.
See the world in 207 BCE on the map →