Battle of An
589 BCE · An (northwest of today's Jinan, Shandong) · China · Ancient
The Jin army chased the Qi army three times around its camp; Duke Qing of Qi was nearly captured and barely escaped alone
Belligerents
Jin (allied with Lu and Wey)
- Commanders
- Xi Ke, Xie Zhang
- Strength
- 800 chariots of Jin, Lu and Wey
Qi
- Commanders
- Duke Qing of Qi
- Strength
- Size of the Qi army unknown
Background
Qi repeatedly raided Lu and Wey; Jin sent troops against Qi at their request, and Xi Ke, who had once been humiliated as an envoy to Qi, was determined to fight.
Course of the battle
- Jin army mobilizesJin leads Lu and Wey east against Qi
- Decisive battle at AnThe two sides' chariots clashed head-on; the Jin commander, though wounded, kept beating the drum without pause
- Three times around Mount HuabuzhuThe Jin army chased Duke Qing of Qi's chariot three times around Mount Huabuzhu and nearly captured him
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 589 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | An (northwest of today's Jinan, Shandong) |
| Result | The Jin army chased the Qi army three times around its camp; Duke Qing of Qi was nearly captured and barely escaped alone |
| Winner | Jin |
| Casualties | The Qi army suffered a crushing defeat; no reliable record of specific casualties |
| Territorial change | Qi was forced to sue for peace with Jin and return the lands it had taken from Lu and Wey |
Impact
Jin used this victory to restore its prestige as hegemon, and Qi did not challenge Jin again for some time.
See the world in 589 BCE on the map →