Shi Ding (史定, Sử Định), was an Eastern Han regional administrator in the far southwest (Yizhou / Nanzhong) who served during the turbulent transition into the Three Kingdoms era.
Governing frontier commanderies amidst restive tribal confederations, Shi Ding mediated between local Han settlers and southern chieftains, maintaining regional trade routes prior to the major Southern Campaign of Zhuge Liang.
Contents
Role in Southwest Annals (Huayang Guo Zhi)
Chronicles of Huayang (Huayang Guo Zhi): “Shi Ding governed southern outposts with prudence, balancing military outposts with tribal conciliation.”
Shi Ding — Historical & Literary Timeline
Late Eastern Han
Frontier Magistrate
Dispatched to southwestern commanderies in Yizhou.
c. 210s
Tribal Mediation
Secures peace among the various non-Han clans along the Yunnan border.
Key Relationships
Family
- Lineage Shi clan of Yizhou: Influential local administrator family.
Friends
- Regional Officials Commandery administrators of Yizhou: Coordinated frontier defense.
Enemies
- Rebellious Chieftains Tribal dissidents in Nanzhong: Threatened imperial trade arteries.
Other
- Shu Han Strategist Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮): Later pacified the entire Nanzhong region.
In Huayang Guo Zhi
“To calm the frontier, one must understand both the spear and the wine cup.”
Historical Context
Border administrators like Shi Ding laid the groundwork for Shu Han’s eventual stabilization of Nanzhong.