Gengshi's attack on Chang'an after Kunyang
23 CE · Chang'an (modern Xi'an, Shaanxi) · China · Ancient
After the great victory at Kunyang, the Lulin army pressed west and captured Chang'an; in the chaos Wang Mang was killed by the merchant Du Wu
Belligerents
Gengshi (Lülin)
- Commanders
- Liu Xuan, Shentu Jian
- Strength
- Main Lulin army, size unknown
Xin dynasty of Wang Mang
- Commanders
- Wang Mang
- Strength
- Chang'an garrison already demoralized
Background
After the main Xin army was destroyed at the Battle of Kunyang, Guanzhong could no longer resist, and the Lulin army pressed on to take Chang'an.
Course of the battle
- Advance west on Chang'anThe Lulin army advanced west from the Wan–Luo line straight toward Chang'an
- Fall of Chang'anThe defenders scattered, and the rebels stormed into the Weiyang Palace
- Wang Mang beheadedWang Mang fled to the Jian Terrace, where he was killed by the rioting troops; his head was sent to Wancheng
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 23 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Chang'an (modern Xi'an, Shaanxi) |
| Result | After the great victory at Kunyang, the Lulin army pressed west and captured Chang'an; in the chaos Wang Mang was killed by the merchant Du Wu |
| Winner | Gengshi (Lülin) |
| Casualties | The Xin dynasty of Wang Mang was destroyed, and Wang Mang died at the hands of the rioting troops |
| Territorial change | The Xin dynasty fell; the Gengshi regime briefly held sway over Guanzhong but soon split apart from within |
Impact
This ended Wang Mang's Xin dynasty, but infighting soon weakened the Gengshi regime, leaving room for Liu Xiu's rise.
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