King Xiang of Han (韩襄王, Hán Tương vương; personal name Han Cang 韩仓; reigned 311–296 BC), was the ruler of the State of Han during the height of the Warring States period, son of King Xuanhui of Han.
Confronted with the unstoppable military expansion of the State of Qin under King Zhaoxiang, King Xiang adroitly maneuvered through coalitions, joining the Five-State Alliance led by Lord Mengchang (Lord Mengchang) that successfully breached Hangu Pass in 296 BC, forcing Qin to return captured territories to Han.
Contents
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 45, House of Han): “King Xiang allied with Qi and Wei; their joint forces breached Hangu Pass, forcing Qin to sue for peace.”
King Xiang of Han — Historical & Literary Timeline
311 BC
Accession in Xinzheng
Succeeds King Xuanhui as monarch of Han.
307 BC
Defense of Yiyang
Endures the grueling siege of Yiyang by Qin general Gan Mao.
296 BC
The Storming of Hangu Pass
Joins Qi and Wei to shatter Qin’s defenses at Hangu Pass; dies later that year.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father King Xuanhui of Han (韩宣惠王): First monarch of Han to take the royal title of King.
- Son King Xi of Han (韩厘王): Succeeded to the throne in 296 BC.
Friends
- Coalition General Lord Mengchang (Lord Mengchang): Leader of the victorious anti-Qin alliance.
Enemies
- Western Nemesis King Zhaoxiang of Qin: Aggressive monarch who besieged Han’s borders.
Other
- Qin General Gan Mao (甘茂): Commanded Qin forces at the Battle of Yiyang.
In Shiji
“Though small in soil, Han stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the great kings at Hangu Pass.”
Historical Context
The 296 BC campaign remains one of the few times in antiquity that a combined coalition successfully breached Qin’s Hangu Pass fortress.