Later Tang destroys Later Liang
923 CE · Yunzhou–Daliang (modern Yuncheng, Shandong–Kaifeng, Henan) · China · Early modern
Taking advantage of the dispersal of the Liang main force, Li Cunxu led light cavalry by a back route from Yunzhou straight to Daliang; on hearing the news the last Later Liang emperor killed himself, and Later Liang fell.
Belligerents
Later Tang (Li Cunxu)
- Commanders
- Li Cunxu, Li Siyuan
- Strength
- Elite Jin cavalry in a light, surprise attack
Later Liang
- Commanders
- Wang Yanzhang, Duan Ning
- Strength
- Most of the Liang main force was stationed on the outer lines, leaving the capital undefended
Background
Jin and Liang had contended for supremacy for over a decade with victories on both sides; Li Cunxu seized the opening created by Liang's faulty deployment to launch a surprise attack.
Course of the battle
- Light cavalry raidThe Jin army advanced swiftly in light order, avoiding strength and striking weakness, heading straight for Daliang.
- Capital fallsSeeing that all was lost, the last Liang emperor set fire to his palace.
- Fall of Later LiangOn hearing the news the Liang army disintegrated, and Later Tang entered the city without bloodshed.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 923 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Yunzhou–Daliang (modern Yuncheng, Shandong – Kaifeng, Henan) |
| Result | Taking advantage of the dispersal of the Liang main force, Li Cunxu led light cavalry by a back route from Yunzhou straight to Daliang; on hearing the news the last Later Liang emperor killed himself, and Later Liang fell. |
| Winner | Later Tang (Li Cunxu) |
| Casualties | The Liang main force collapsed before it could return to relieve the capital. |
| Territorial change | Li Cunxu unified the middle and lower Yellow River and founded Later Tang, reshaping the map of the Five Dynasties. |
Impact
This ended more than a decade of struggle between Jin and Liang, and Later Tang replaced Later Liang as the new master of the Central Plains.
See the world in 923 on the map →