Battle of Changping

A decisive Qin–Zhao battle fought in 260 BCE during China’s Warring States period. Qin victory destroyed much of Zhao’s military strength and hastened its eventual conquest.

Siege of Changping: The prolonged military confrontation at Changping that culminated in Qin’s encirclement and capture of Zhao forces. The siege phase trapped Zhao’s army and set up the battle’s decisive outcome.
Warring States period: The era of competing Chinese states from 475 to 221 BCE, ending with Qin’s unification of China. The battle was a turning point in the era’s contest for territorial supremacy.
Bai Qi: A Qin general famed for victories during the Warring States period and commander of Qin forces at Changping. He directed the encirclement and accepted Zhao’s surrender after the army was trapped.
Massacre at Changping: The reported killing of many Zhao prisoners after their surrender to Qin at Changping. Ancient accounts make the prisoners’ fate the battle’s most notorious consequence.
Records of the Grand Historian: A history of ancient China compiled by Sima Qian in the first century BCE. Its account is the main narrative source for the battle and its aftermath.
Bait-and-switch tactic: A military deception that induces an opponent to commit forces against an apparent opportunity before changing the situation. Qin exploited Zhao’s advance after replacing its cautious commander with Zhao Kuo.
Qin state: A powerful state in western China that conquered its rivals and founded the Qin dynasty in 221 BCE. Qin sought to absorb Shangdang and remove Zhao as a major obstacle.
King Xiaocheng of Zhao: The king of Zhao from 265 to 245 BCE, whose government directed Zhao’s war effort at Changping. His court recalled Lian Po and appointed Zhao Kuo during the campaign.
Siege of Handan: Qin’s unsuccessful siege of Handan, Zhao’s capital, from 259 to 257 BCE. Zhao survived a renewed Qin assault despite the military losses at Changping.
Sima Qian: A Han-dynasty historian who compiled the Records of the Grand Historian. His narrative shaped later knowledge of the commanders, decisions, and reported massacre.

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