Mayi ambush plan
133 BCE · Mayi (modern Shuozhou, Shanxi) · China · Ancient
The Han laid an ambush to lure the chanyu into Mayi, but word leaked out; the chanyu sensed the trap and withdrew, and the Han army failed to destroy the enemy
Belligerents
Han
- Commanders
- Han Anguo, Wang Hui
- Strength
- Han ambush force of over 300,000
Xiongnu
- Commanders
- Junchen Chanyu
- Strength
- About 100,000 Xiongnu cavalry
Background
Seeking to end the humiliating marriage alliance with the Xiongnu, Emperor Wu of Han adopted the plan of Nie Yi, a powerful local magnate of Mayi, to lure the chanyu inside the frontier and ambush him.
Course of the battle
- Luring the enemy inNie Yi feigned surrender to lure the Xiongnu chanyu south with his army toward Mayi
- The Chanyu grows suspiciousAlong the way, the chanyu saw livestock grazing untended, grew suspicious, and captured a Han scout who revealed the truth
- Hasty withdrawalRealizing it was a trap, the chanyu immediately withdrew north beyond the frontier
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 133 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Mayi (modern Shuozhou, Shanxi) |
| Result | The Han laid an ambush to lure the chanyu into Mayi, but word leaked out; the chanyu sensed the trap and withdrew, and the Han army failed to destroy the enemy |
| Winner | No decision |
| Casualties | No engagement and no actual casualties |
| Territorial change | The Han–Xiongnu marriage alliance (heqin) policy collapsed completely, and the two sides entered a prolonged state of war |
Impact
A turning point in Han–Xiongnu relations: though won without a battle, it marked the Han dynasty's shift from defense to taking the offensive against the Xiongnu.
See the world in 133 BCE on the map →