Wei Qing

Wei Qing was a general of the Western Han dynasty who led major campaigns against the Xiongnu during Emperor Wu’s reign.

Battle of Mayi: A failed Han ambush plan against the Xiongnu in 133 BCE that helped begin sustained warfare. Its failure preceded Wei Qing’s major campaigns and shaped Han strategy.
Emperor Wu of Han: The seventh emperor of the Western Han dynasty, whose reign expanded Han power and territory. Emperor Wu sponsored the offensives that made Wei Qing a leading commander.
Han dynasty military: The armed forces and military institutions of the Han dynasty. Wei Qing’s campaigns drew on the organization and resources of this military system.
Han–Xiongnu peace treaties: Agreements between Han rulers and the Xiongnu that established periods of peace and exchange. Wei Qing’s victories shifted Han policy away from reliance on negotiated peace.
Battle of Longcheng: A Han victory in 127 BCE in which Wei Qing struck a Xiongnu stronghold north of the frontier. This campaign opened with Wei Qing’s first major victory against the Xiongnu.
Huo Qubing: A Han general and nephew of Wei Qing who won major victories against the Xiongnu. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing led complementary armies in the 119 BCE campaign.
Han dynasty cavalry: Mounted forces used by Han armies for mobility, reconnaissance, and combat. Cavalry enabled rapid movements across the steppe frontier in Wei Qing’s campaigns.
Heqin: A Han diplomatic policy of marriage alliances and gifts intended to maintain peace with frontier powers. Wei Qing’s successes strengthened the alternative of military pressure over appeasement.
Battle of Dingxiang: A major Han campaign in 119 BCE in which Wei Qing’s forces fought deep in Xiongnu territory. Wei Qing commanded one of the two armies in this far-reaching campaign.
Wei Zifu: An empress of the Western Han dynasty and Wei Qing’s sister. Her position at court helped connect Wei Qing’s family to imperial power.

Linked from 3 pages

Han–Xiongnu warsRelated: His victories helped establish Han military control across parts of the northern frontier.