Zhang Fang

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Zhang Fang († 306 ) was a Chinese general who was subordinate to Sima Yong and for whom he fought in the War of the Eight Princes .

Role in the War of the Eight Princes

Zhang Fang is believed to be the most capable general in the War of the Eight Princes today. He served Prince Sima Yong. For this he first fought against the imperial regent Sima Ai . During the fighting, Sima Ai was betrayed by soldiers and officers of his army and handed over to Zhang Fang. This left him burned alive. Later he took the capital Luoyang for Sima Yong . Zhang Fang is described as cruel and violent. When Prince Sima Yue rebelled against Sima Yong, Zhang Fang again led troops in the conflict, but made strategic mistakes that gave Sima Yue the upper hand. In order to broker a peace with his rival, Sima Yong had Zhang Fang murdered and sent the general's head to Sima Yue. He refused to make peace, but still kept Zhang Fang's head.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Robin Yates / Ralph Sawyer: Military aspects of the War of the Eight Princes 300-307. In: Nicola di Cosmo (ed.): Military Culture in Imperial China. Cambridge et al. a. 2009, p. 140.
  2. ^ Robin Yates / Ralph Sawyer, p. 128.
  3. ^ Robin Yates / Ralph Sawyer, p. 133.
personal data
SURNAME Zhang Fang
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Chinese general
DATE OF BIRTH 3rd century
DATE OF DEATH 306