Chen Tang forges an edict and kills Zhizhi Chanyu
36 BCE · City of Zhizhi (near present-day Taraz, Kazakhstan) · China · Ancient
Chen Tang forged an imperial edict to mobilize the military farming colony troops of the Western Regions and the forces of various states; after a long-range raid they stormed the City of Zhizhi and beheaded Zhizhi Chanyu
Belligerents
Han (Protector General of the Western Regions)
- Commanders
- Gan Yanshou, Chen Tang
- Strength
- Han army and coalition of Western Regions states, more than 40,000 in total
Xiongnu (Zhizhi Chanyu)
- Commanders
- Zhizhi Chanyu
- Strength
- Zhizhi's followers, size unknown
Background
After moving west to Kangju, Zhizhi Chanyu grew arrogant and brutal, repeatedly raiding neighboring states and humiliating Han envoys; Chen Tang believed that leaving him alive would bring endless trouble.
Course of the battle
- Raising troops by forged edictUsing a forged imperial edict, Chen Tang mustered the military farming colony troops and the forces of the Western Regions states
- Long-range raidThe coalition drove deep into Kangju territory and closed in on the City of Zhizhi
- Storming the City of ZhizhiThe coalition stormed the city, and Zhizhi Chanyu was killed in battle
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 36 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | City of Zhizhi (near present-day Taraz, Kazakhstan) |
| Result | Chen Tang forged an imperial edict to mobilize the military farming colony troops of the Western Regions and the forces of various states; after a long-range raid they stormed the City of Zhizhi and beheaded Zhizhi Chanyu |
| Winner | Han |
| Casualties | Zhizhi Chanyu and his followers were annihilated, and the City of Zhizhi fell |
| Territorial change | The Zhizhi branch of the Xiongnu was wiped out completely, and Han prestige in Central Asia and the Western Regions rose greatly |
Impact
The famous line "Whoever offends the mighty Han, however far, shall be punished" comes from the memorial reporting this battle, showing the Han dynasty's resolve in its administration of the Western Regions.
See the world in 36 BCE on the map →