Wei State
A major power born from the Partition of Jin, shifting its seat to Daliang under King Hui before falling to Qin in 225 BCE after a prolonged siege.
via Wikipedia: Wei (state) · see source
Wei was one of the seven major states during the Warring States period, created from the three-way Partition of Jin alongside Han and Zhao. Its territory stretched between Qin and Qi, covering parts of modern-day Henan, Hebei, and Shanxi, with only brief and limited expansion into western Shandong. Initially founded by descendants of Bi Wan, who served Duke Xian of Jin, Wei gained legitimacy when King Weilie of Zhou elevated its rulers to marquess in 403 BCE. The state reached its apogee under Marquess Wen and Marquess Wu before shifting focus under King Hui (reign 369–319 BC). During his rule, the capital moved from Anyi to Daliang (present-day Kaifeng), leading the state to also be known as Liang. Wei is distinct from the smaller central Wey state—not just in its Chinese character, but also in its history, location, and ruling house.
- Capital
- Daliang
- Primary Rivals
- Qin
Lore & Background
Wei's ruling house traces back to Gao, Duke of Bi, a son of King Wen of Zhou. His descendant, Bi Wan, served as a courtier for Duke Xian of Jin and was granted the fief of Wei in present-day Ruicheng County, Shanxi, after a successful expedition. By 453 BCE, the founders of Wei, Zhao, and Han joined forces to kill the dominant house of Zhi, but the formal recognition of Wei, Han, and Zhao as separate states by King Weilie of Zhou occurred in 403 BCE. These three houses acted as hegemonic powers until King Weilie legitimized them in 403 BCE. The state flourished under Marquess Wen (445–396 BCE) and Marquess Wu (396–370 BCE). King Hui declared himself an independent sovereign in 344 BC, focusing on economic development, Yellow River irrigation projects, and Legalist reforms by Li Kui. However, a series of battles, including the battle of Maling in 341 BCE, checked Wei's ambitions while Qin expanded unimpeded.
In Their Own Story
In 341 BCE, the battle of Maling served as a critical turning point where Wei's expansion was halted by Qi forces led by Pang Juan, who was defeated by Sun Bin. Following this loss and the continuous wars with Qin over the strategic western Hexi region, the capital was forced to move from Anyi to Daliang. The end came in 225 BCE when the Qin general Wang Ben diverted the Yellow River into Daliang, destroying the capital in a flood and forcing Wei's surrender. Historical records by Sima Qian list King Ai as a ruler between Xiang and Zhao, but most scholars believe he never existed, suggesting Sima Qian misassigned parts of King Hui's reign.
Reader's Guide
Wei was defined by its Legalist reforms under Li Kui (c. 459 – c. 395 BCE) and its irrigation projects at the Yellow River during King Hui's reign. Notable figures include Pang Juan, a general defeated at Maling; Li Kui, the chancellor; Yue Yang, prime minister of Zhongshan; and Hui Shi, a correspondent with Zhuang Zhou. The state's rulers included Marquess Wen (Si or Du), Marquess Wu (Ji), King Hui (Ying), King Xiang (Si or He), King Zhao (Chi), King Anxi (Yu), King Jingmin (Zeng or Wu), and finally King Jia (228–225 BCE). The state surrendered to Qin after the flood of Daliang, ending its existence as a Warring State.
Did You Know?
- Wei was created from the three-way Partition of Jin together with Han and Zhao, with the defeat of the Zhi clan in 453 BCE leading to the formal recognition of the states in 403 BCE.
- King Weilie of Zhou legitimized Wei as a marquessate in 403 BCE.
- After moving its capital to Daliang, Wei was also called Liang.
- The state surrendered to Qin in 225 BCE after General Wang Ben diverted both the Yellow River and the Hong Canal into the capital, causing a flood and famine that forced the city to hold out for months before capitulatin
- Most scholars believe King Ai never existed and that Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian misassigned parts of King Hui's reign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the State of Wei in Kingdom?
The State of Wei is one of the seven major powers during the Warring States period and serves as a primary antagonist to Qin in the early story arcs. It represents a nation where martial skill is prized, though its nobility often engages in complex political maneuvering.
What military strengths does Wei possess?
Wei is renowned for its formidable heavy cavalry units that utilize shock tactics to overwhelm enemy formations on the battlefield. This specialized infantry and horseman combination made them a dominant force before Qin's reforms took hold.
Who are the key leaders of Wei State?
The kingdom is governed by King Xiang, with significant influence held by noble strategists like Lord Xinling who manage internal affairs. Their military commands are often led by veteran generals dedicated to protecting their territory from Qin expansion.
Where is the capital city of Wei located?
Daliang serves as the bustling capital and political center where the King resides alongside his court officials. This fortified city acts as a crucial stronghold for coordinating defense against neighboring rivals like Zhao and Chu.
How does Wei's relationship with Qin end?
Despite their early dominance, Wei eventually succumbs to the overwhelming military pressure exerted by Ying Zheng and his forces from Qin. Their defeat marks a significant turning point in the unification of China under the Qin banner.
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