Battle of Zhizhi

Infobox Military Conflict


caption=
conflict=Battle of Zhizhi
partof=The Sino-Xiongnu War
date= October - December, 36 BC
place=Taraz, Kazakhstan
result=Decisive Han victory
combatant1=Xiongnu
combatant2=Han Dynasty
commander1=Zhizhi Chanyu
commander2=Gan Yanshou
Chen Tang
strength1=3,000 Xiongnu cavalries and infantry with 10,000 cavalries reinforcement from Kangju
strength2=40,000 Han crossbowmen with Tarim Basin allies
casualties1=1518 aristocrats executed, 1,000 surrendered and 145 captived
casualties2=Minimal

The Battle of Zhizhi (郅支之戰) was a battle between the Han Dynasty and the Zhizhi Guduhou Chanyu (sometimes known as Western Xiongnu) in 36 BC. The battle was a success for the Han, who were led by Gan Yanshou and Chen Tang. It occurred at the Fortress of Zhizhi on Talas River, constructed soon after he reached to the state of Kangju (centered on Beitian) in 44 BC, when he had fled from the east.

In 49 BC, Zhizhi Chanyu left Mongolia after a dispute with his brother who had accepted a tributary relation with the Han. In 44 BC, Zhizhi started to move west towards Kangju, and made an alliance with them with a spare of 3,000 armies. The king of Kangju used Zhizhi with his armies as auxiliary to attack his rival Wusun several times, but a dispute take place soon after. Zhizhi killed few of his men including his daughter and compel Kangju to build a fortress for him, through efforts of 500 men per day for 2 years.

His conflicts with Eastern Xiongnu eventually lead Han to an expedition. As a result of the war, Zhizhi was killed, his head was cut off by one of Chen Tang's general Du Xun during the battle and was sent to Chang'an.

Aftermath

The destruction of Zhizhi Chanyu lead to a half a century of peace between the Han Dynasty and Xiongnu, until Wang Mang enraged the Xiongnu in 10. Thus, the long-termed raiding campaign only begin after 10 through Eastern Han.

References

*Ban Gu et al, "Hanshu". Beijing: Zhonghua Shuju, 1962. ISBN 7-101-00305-2
*Sima Guang, comp. "Zizhi Tongjian". Beijing: Zhonghua Shuju, 1956. ISBN 7-101-00183-1
*David Wilkinson (1999) " [http://jwsr.ucr.edu/archive/vol5/number3/wilkinson/index.html Power polarity in the Far Eastern World System] ," Journal of World-Systems Research, Vol V, 3, 1999, 501-617.