Defense of Handan
257 BCE · Handan (in today's Handan, Hebei) · China · Ancient
The Qin army failed to take the city after a long siege; Lord Xinling stole the tally to rescue Zhao and, allied with Chu, attacked from within and without; the Qin army was routed and lifted the siege
Belligerents
Zhao (allied with Wei and Chu)
- Commanders
- Lord Pingyuan, Zhao Sheng; Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji; Lord Chunshen, Huang Xie
- Strength
- The Zhao army held out; Wei and Chu reinforcements numbered tens of thousands each
Qin
- Commanders
- Wang Ling, Wang He
- Strength
- Qin army of several hundred thousand
Background
After the Battle of Changping, the Qin army followed up its victory by besieging the Zhao capital Handan, hoping to destroy Zhao at a stroke; Zhao appealed to Wei and Chu for help.
Course of the battle
- The Qin Army Besieges the CityThe victorious Qin army pushed north from Changping and besieged the Zhao capital Handan
- Stealing the tally to rescue ZhaoLord Xinling stole the military tally, seized command of the Wei army, and led it to the rescue
- Attacked from within and withoutThe Wei–Chu coalition coordinated with the Zhao army inside the city, and the Qin army was routed and lifted the siege
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 257 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Handan (in today's Handan, Hebei) |
| Result | The Qin army failed to take the city after a long siege; Lord Xinling stole the tally to rescue Zhao and, allied with Chu, attacked from within and without; the Qin army was routed and lifted the siege |
| Winner | Zhao (allied forces) |
| Casualties | The Qin army suffered heavy casualties and lost more men to pursuit during its retreat |
| Territorial change | Zhao was saved from ruin, and Qin's eastward advance was slowed |
Impact
It delayed Qin's unification and was one of the few successful cases of resistance against Qin in the late Warring States period.
See the world in 257 BCE on the map →