Battle of Hefei (Xiaoyao Ford)
215 CE · Hefei (modern Hefei, Anhui) · China · Ancient
Before the newly arrived Wu army could establish itself, Zhang Liao led 800 picked men in a surprise attack; later, as Sun Quan withdrew, he pursued and mauled the Wu army at Xiaoyao Ford
Belligerents
Cao Wei
- Commanders
- Zhang Liao, Li Dian, Yue Jin
- Strength
- Garrison of about 7,000
Eastern Wu
- Commanders
- Sun Quan
- Strength
- Wu army claimed 100,000
Background
While Cao Cao was on his Western Campaign against Hanzhong, Sun Quan took advantage of Hefei's weak defenses and attacked with a great army; Zhang Liao was ordered to hold out with a small garrison until relief arrived.
Course of the battle
- 800 routed 100,000Zhang Liao led 800 picked men in a surprise night attack on the Wu camp, charging straight at Sun Quan's banner
- Holding out for reliefThe Wu army assaulted Hefei for more than ten days without success; with morale low, it was forced to withdraw
- Pursuit at Xiaoyao FordZhang Liao launched a surprise attack as the Wu army retreated; Sun Quan was nearly captured and escaped only by leaping his horse across a bridge
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 215 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Hefei (modern Hefei, Anhui) |
| Result | Before the newly arrived Wu army could establish itself, Zhang Liao led 800 picked men in a surprise attack; later, as Sun Quan withdrew, he pursued and mauled the Wu army at Xiaoyao Ford |
| Winner | Cao Wei |
| Casualties | The Wu army suffered heavy losses, and Sun Quan was nearly captured alive |
| Territorial change | Hefei remained in Cao Wei hands, becoming a key bulwark in the Wei–Wu standoff |
Impact
The battle that made Zhang Liao's name and struck awe throughout Jiangdong; afterward, Hefei long served as a key strongpoint for the State of Wei against Eastern Wu.
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