Marquis Ai of Han (韩哀侯, Hán Ai hầu; d. 374 BC), was the fourth ruler of the State of Han during the Warring States period, celebrated for achieving the historic conquest of the State of Zheng (郑国) in 375 BC.
Leading Han armies across the Central Plains, Marquis Ai eliminated Duke You of Zheng and annexed all Zheng territory, moving Han’s capital to Xinzheng and establishing Han as a premier military power among the Seven Warring States.
Contents
Role in History (Shiji)
Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji, vol. 45): “Marquis Ai extinguished Zheng and took Xinzheng for his throne.”
Marquis Ai of Han — Historical & Literary Timeline
376 BC
Accession
Succeeds Marquis Wen of Han.
375 BC
Conquest of Zheng
Storms Xinzheng and executes Duke You of Zheng.
374 BC
Assassination
Slain in court factional violence; succeeded by Marquess Yi.
Key Relationships
Family
- Father Marquis Wen of Han (韩文侯): Preceding monarch.
- Son Marquess Yi of Han (韩懿侯): Successor.
Friends
- Allied Lords Marquis Wu of Wei (Wei Ji): Tripartite alliance partner.
Enemies
- Conquered Ruler Duke You of Zheng: Sovereign of the extinguished State of Zheng.
Other
- Successor Dynasty Kings of Han: Ruled from the new capital at Xinzheng.
In Shiji
“The walls of Xinzheng fell, and Han rose to the rank of the Great Powers.”
Historical Context
The annexation of Zheng doubled Han’s agricultural wealth and central strategic positioning.