King Zhao of Wei (魏昭王, Ngụy Chiêu vương; personal name Wei Chi 魏遫; reigned 295–277 BC), was the monarch of the State of Wei during the middle Warring States period, son of King Xiang of Wei.
His reign witnessed the catastrophic Battle of Yique (伊阙之战) in 293 BC, where Qin general Bai Qi shattered the allied armies of Wei and Han, decapitating 240,000 troops and seizing five cities. In subsequent years, King Zhao formed alliances with King Zhao of Yan and supported Yue Yi’s five-nation coalition that invaded Qi, recovering significant diplomatic standing before passing away in 277 BC.
Contents
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 44, House of Wei): “In the third year of King Zhao, Bai Qi defeated our forces at Yique, slaying 240,000; yet King Zhao persevered, allying with Yan to check the eastern powers.”
King Zhao of Wei — Historical & Literary Timeline
295 BC
Accession in Daliang
Succeeds King Xiang of Wei.
293 BC
The Disaster of Yique
Allied army decimated by Bai Qi; Wei cedes territory to Qin.
284 BC
Allied Campaign against Qi
Joins Yue Yi’s coalition army against Qi.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father King Xiang of Wei (魏襄王): Preceding monarch.
- Son King Anxi of Wei (魏安釐王): Successor king who employed Lord Xinling.
- Son Lord Xinling (魏无忌 – Prince of Wei): Celebrated leader of the Four Lords of the Warring States.
Friends
- Allied Monarch King Zhao of Yan (燕昭王): Partner in the anti-Qi expedition.
Enemies
- Qin Warlord Bai Qi (白起 – Lord Wu’an): Annihilated Wei’s forces at Yique.
- King of Qin King Zhaoxiang of Qin: Aggressive western superpower.
Other
- Wei Commander Gongsun Xi (公孙喜): Captured at Yique.
In Shiji
“Beneath the blood-stained slopes of Yique, King Zhao rallied Daliang to stand unbroken.”
Historical Context
King Zhao fathered Lord Xinling (Wei Wuji), whose military brilliance later saved Wei and Han from Qin’s total annihilation.