Battle of Fujiao
494 BCE · Fujiao (in Lake Tai, southwest of present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu) · China · Ancient
The Wu army crushed the Yue army; Goujian fell back to Mount Kuaiji, was besieged, and was forced to submit and sue for peace
Belligerents
Wu
- Commanders
- King Fuchai of Wu, Wu Zixu
- Strength
- Size of the Wu army unknown
Yue
- Commanders
- King Goujian of Yue
- Strength
- Size of the Yue army unknown
Background
Fuchai attacked Yue to avenge his father (Helu had died of wounds in the war against Yue); Goujian struck first but was routed.
Course of the battle
- Pitched battleThe land and naval forces of Wu and Yue clashed around Fujiao
- Besieged at KuaijiThe remnants of the Yue army fell back to defend Mount Kuaiji, and the Wu army surrounded it
- Suing for peace in humble termsGoujian followed Fan Li's advice and sued Fuchai for peace with humble words and rich gifts
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 494 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Fujiao (in Lake Tai, southwest of present-day Suzhou, Jiangsu) |
| Result | The Wu army crushed the Yue army; Goujian fell back to Mount Kuaiji, was besieged, and was forced to submit and sue for peace |
| Winner | Wu |
| Casualties | The Yue main army was routed; no reliable record of specific casualties |
| Territorial change | Yue became a vassal of Wu, and Goujian spent years in Wu as a hostage |
Impact
The turning point in the rivalry of Wu and Yue, and it set the stage for Goujian's "sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall" and his later conquest of Wu.
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