Battle of Xiangji Temple
757 CE · Near Xiangji Temple, Chang'an County, Shaanxi · China · Early modern
Li Siye's modao (long-sabre) troops fought desperately head-on and withstood the charge of the rebels' elite cavalry, while Uyghur horsemen struck the enemy's flank and rear; the rebels broke completely, and the Tang army recaptured Chang'an that same day.
Belligerents
Tang
- Commanders
- Guo Ziyi, Li Siye, Uyghur Yabgu
- Strength
- About 150,000 Tang troops and Uyghur reinforcements
An–Shi rebels
- Commanders
- An Shouzhong, Li Guiren
- Strength
- Over 100,000 rebels, drawn up in formation on the outskirts of Chang'an
Background
Two years after the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, the Tang borrowed Uyghur troops for a joint counteroffensive, with recapturing the two capitals as its first objective.
Course of the battle
- Armies face offThe Tang army and the rebels formed up for a decisive battle north of Xiangji Temple.
- Fighting to the death with modao long bladesLi Siye led his modao troops in a head-on clash with the rebel heavy cavalry.
- Flanking envelopmentUyghur cavalry swung around to strike the rebel rear, turning the tide of battle.
- Recaptured Chang'anThe rebels fled in disarray, and the Tang army entered the city that same day.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 757 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Near Xiangji Temple, Chang'an County, Shaanxi |
| Result | Li Siye's modao (long-sabre) troops fought desperately head-on and withstood the charge of the rebels' elite cavalry, while Uyghur horsemen struck the enemy's flank and rear; the rebels broke completely, and the Tang army recaptured Chang'an that same day. |
| Winner | Tang |
| Casualties | The rebels suffered heavy casualties and abandoned Chang'an, fleeing east. |
| Territorial change | Chang'an was recovered, the Tang rebuilt its center of government, and the suppression of the rebellion entered the stage of strategic counteroffensive. |
Impact
The turning point at which the An–Shi rebels went from ascendancy to decline; through it the Tang recaptured the two capitals and secured half the realm.
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