State of Chu

State of Chu

Contents

The State of Chu (simplified: 楚国, traditional: 楚国, pinyin: Chǔ Guó, jyutping: co2 gwok3), also known as Jing (荆国) or Jingchu (荆楚), originated during the Shang dynasty and became a Zhou feudal state. Chu was one of the major powers during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. During the Spring and Autumn period, the Central Plains states viewed Chu as barbarian (蛮夷), but King Zhuang of Chu (楚庄王) was one of the Five Hegemons (春秋五霸). Chu later became one of the Seven Warring States (战国七雄). The Chu rulers bore the surname Mi (芈) and clan name Xiong (熊). Chu first arose in the Dan River valley, at the confluence of the Dan and Xi rivers in modern Xichuan County, Henan.

History

Origins and early period

Chu’s history can be traced to the Shang dynasty. According to the Bamboo Annals and Book of Songs, King Wuding of Shang attacked the Guifang and also campaigned against the Chu people. Chu’s ancestor Yuxiong (鬻熊) served the Shang. In the early Western Zhou, King Cheng of Zhou enfeoffed Yuxiong’s great-grandson Xiong Yi (熊绎) in Chu territory, with the capital at Danyang (丹阳) and the rank of viscount (子爵).

In 704 BCE, Xiong Tong (熊通) declared himself king (later posthumously titled King Wu of Chu). During the early Spring and Autumn period, Chu expanded aggressively, conquering many states in the Jianghan region and becoming the dominant power in the south.

Spring and Autumn period

In 597 BCE, King Zhuang of Chu defeated Jin at the Battle of Bi (邲之战) and was recognized as one of the Five Hegemons. Through warfare, Chu absorbed some 45 smaller states.

In 506 BCE, during the reign of King Zhao of Chu, King Helü of Wu sent Sun Wu and Wu Zixu to attack Chu. At the Battle of Boju (柏举之战), Wu defeated Chu and captured the capital Ying. Chu nearly perished, but Yue’s King Yunchang attacked Wu, and Qin sent aid to Chu, allowing Chu to recover. In 505 BCE, King Zhao moved the capital to a new Ying (纪郢).

Distinct culture

Chu developed a distinct culture that differed from the Central Plains states. Chu’s language differed from that of the Central Plains; for example, the Chu prime minister was called lingyin (令尹) rather than the standard term. Chu was known for shamanistic practices, music, and a preference for the color red (尚赤), as the Chu royal house claimed descent from Zhurong (祝融), the fire god.

With Wu and Yue

During the Spring and Autumn period, Chu’s interactions with Wu and Yue were secondary to its focus on the Central Plains. However, the 506 BCE Wu invasion of Chu and Yue’s attack on Wu during that campaign illustrate the interconnected conflicts of the period.

Notable figures

Historical rulers

Various Chu kings played important roles in the state’s history, leading military campaigns and managing political affairs. King Ping of Chu was one notable ruler who appears in historical accounts.

Wu Zixu

Wu Zixu, originally from Chu, fled to Wu after his father’s execution. His story illustrates the complex relationships between various states and the movement of talented individuals across state boundaries.

Behind the scenes

In Sword of the Yue Maiden, the State of Chu represents one of the major powers of the Spring and Autumn period. Chu’s presence helps establish the broader political landscape in which the conflicts between Wu and Yue took place.

See also

  • Chu (state) on Wikipedia
  • Chu (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia
  • Chu (Chinese) on Baidu Baike

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