King Wu of Qin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King Wu of Qin秦武王 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Qin | |||||||||
| Reign | 310–307 BC | ||||||||
| Predecessor | King Huiwen | ||||||||
| Successor | King Zhaoxiang | ||||||||
| Born | 329 BC | ||||||||
| Died | 307 BC (aged 21–22) | ||||||||
| Spouse | Queen Daowu | ||||||||
|
|||||||||
| House | Ying | ||||||||
| Dynasty | Qin | ||||||||
| Father | King Huiwen of Qin | ||||||||
| Mother | Queen Huiwen | ||||||||
King Wu of Qin (Chinese: 秦武王), whose personal name was Ying Dang, was a powerful ruler in ancient China. He was the king of the Qin state from 310 to 307 BC. The Qin state was one of the strongest kingdoms during the Warring States period, a time when different states fought for control of China. King Wu was born in 329 BC and died in 307 BC, at a young age.
Contents
King Wu's Reign and Achievements
Even though King Wu ruled for only a short time, he played an important part in the Qin's wars of unification. These were wars where the Qin state tried to unite all of China under its rule. King Wu focused his efforts on fighting against the Han state. He also attacked other major kingdoms, like the Wei state.
In his fourth year as king, King Wu's minister, Gan Mao, suggested a big attack. They planned to capture the Han fortress of Yiyang. This fortress was important because it would open a path for Qin to invade kingdoms to the east. The attack was successful! Qin gained control of key roads leading to Luoyang, which was the capital city of the Eastern Zhou dynasty at that time.
The King's Strength and Tragic End
King Wu was known for his great physical strength. He loved wrestling and showing off how strong he was. While visiting Luoyang, the Eastern Zhou capital, King Wu decided to try something very daring. He wanted to lift a huge, heavy bronze cauldron in the palace. A strongman named Meng Yue, whom the king liked, encouraged him.
King Wu managed to lift the giant cauldron. But as he tried to carry it, he broke his shin bones. This was a very serious injury. That night, blood came from his eyes, and he died very soon after. He had become king when he was about 18 or 19 years old and died at just 21 or 22, after ruling for only about three years.
Succession After King Wu
Because King Wu died young and did not have any children, his death caused a big problem for the Qin state. This was called a succession crisis, meaning there was no clear heir to the throne. Many of his half-brothers, who were also princes, started fighting to become the next king.
Eventually, King Wu's younger half-brother, Prince Ji, became the new king. At the time, Prince Ji was living in the Yan state as a political hostage. He returned to Qin with the help of his uncle, Wei Ran, and King Wuling of Zhao, and took the throne.
Family Life
King Wu was married to Queen Daowu. She was a princess from the Wei kingdom.
