Fan Li

AncientPoliticianChina-536 — -448

Yue strategist who became wealthy merchant after retiring.

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Quick Facts

Born

536 BCE

Died

448 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)10

Political (20%)63

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)55

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)65

Total Score56.0

Fan Li — Complete Timeline

494 BC

Served as Chief Strategist for YuePolitical Action◆ Major

Fan Li became the chief strategist for King Goujian of Yue after Yue's defeat by Wu. He advised Goujian to feign submission and bribe Wu officials, buying time for Yue to recover and plan revenge.

StrategyYueGoujian

Impact: regionalconstructive

473 BC

Planned Yue's Victory Over WuWar◆ Major

Fan Li orchestrated Yue's military campaign that conquered Wu. He used economic warfare, spies, and a patient buildup of forces. The victory ended Wu's hegemony and established Yue as a dominant state.

VictoryWuStrategy

Impact: regionalconstructive

468 BC

Retired and Became a MerchantPolitical Action◆ Major

After Yue's victory, Fan Li retired from politics, warning that Goujian could not share power. He changed his name and became a wealthy merchant, amassing a fortune through trade and earning the title 'Lord of Tao'.

RetirementMerchantWealth

Impact: regionalconstructive