Battle of Yanling
575 BCE · Yanling (in today's Yanling, Henan) · China · Ancient
The Jin army launched an all-out assault while the Chu army was shaken by King Gong of Chu's eye wound; the Chu army slipped away by night
Belligerents
Jin
- Commanders
- Duke Li of Jin, Luan Shu
- Strength
- Size of the Jin army unknown
Chu (allied with Zheng)
- Commanders
- King Gong of Chu, Marshal Zifan
- Strength
- Size of the Chu–Zheng army unknown
Background
Zheng broke with Jin and sided with Chu; Duke Li of Jin personally led a large army against Zheng, and King Gong of Chu led his army to relieve Zheng, meeting the Jin army at Yanling.
Course of the battle
- The armies face offThe Jin and Chu armies hastily formed up and fought at Yanling
- King Gong hit by an arrowKing Gong of Chu was hit in the eye by an arrow, and the Chu lines wavered
- Chu army slips away by nightZifan got drunk and failed in his duty, and the Chu army withdrew that night
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 575 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Yanling (in today's Yanling, Henan) |
| Result | The Jin army launched an all-out assault while the Chu army was shaken by King Gong of Chu's eye wound; the Chu army slipped away by night |
| Winner | Jin |
| Casualties | King Gong of Chu was hit in the eye by an arrow; after the battle Zifan took his own life for fear of punishment |
| Territorial change | Jin restored its hegemony, and Chu's northward advance was checked |
Impact
Jin's last decisive victory in its struggle with Chu for hegemony; afterward the two sides gradually moved toward a truce.
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