Battle of Ailing
484 BCE · Ailing (northeast of today's Laiwu, Shandong) · China · Ancient
The Wu-led coalition crushed the Qi army and captured 800 chariots
Belligerents
Wu (allied with Lu)
- Commanders
- King Fuchai of Wu
- Strength
- Size of the Wu–Lu army unknown
Qi
- Commanders
- The State Letter
- Strength
- Size of the Qi army unknown
Background
After defeating Yue, Fuchai turned north to seek hegemony; with Qi and Lu at odds, Wu marched north against Qi on the pretext of aiding Lu.
Course of the battle
- Wu army pushes northWu army marches north from the Yangtze–Huai region to join Lu
- Decisive battle of AilingThe Wu–Lu coalition fought a pitched battle with the Qi army, and Qi suffered a crushing defeat
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 484 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Ailing (northeast of today's Laiwu, Shandong) |
| Result | The Wu-led coalition crushed the Qi army and captured 800 chariots |
| Winner | Wu |
| Casualties | The Qi commander Guo Shu was killed in battle, and losses were heavy |
| Territorial change | Wu's prestige reached as far north as the Central Plains, and for a time it contended with Jin for the position of hegemon |
Impact
One of the high points of Wu's bid for hegemony; afterward Fuchai went north to the Huangchi Conference, giving Yue an opening.
See the world in 484 BCE on the map →