Fan Zeng

AncientPoliticianChina-277 — -204

Xiang Yu chief advisor during the Chu-Han Contention.

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Quick Facts

Born

277 BCE

Died

204 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)43

Political (20%)37

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)47

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score48.1

Fan Zeng — Complete Timeline

206 BC

Advised Xiang Yu at the Feast at HongmenPolitical Action◆ Major

Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu to assassinate Liu Bang during the Feast at Hongmen, a banquet where Liu Bang was a guest. Xiang Yu hesitated and Liu Bang escaped. Fan Zeng later lamented that Xiang Yu's indecision would lead to their downfall.

Chu-Han ContentionAssassination PlotAdvice

Impact: regional

204 BC

Siege of XingyangWar

Fan Zeng was captured by Liu Bang's forces during the siege of Xingyang. Liu Bang attempted to sow discord between Fan Zeng and Xiang Yu by pretending to negotiate with Fan Zeng. Xiang Yu became suspicious and dismissed Fan Zeng from his service.

SiegeBetrayalChu-Han Contention

Impact: regionaldestructive

Death on the RoadOther◆ Major

After being dismissed by Xiang Yu, Fan Zeng died of illness on the road back to his hometown. His death removed Xiang Yu's most capable advisor, contributing to Xiang Yu's eventual defeat by Liu Bang at the Battle of Gaixia.

DeathChu-Han ContentionAdvisor

Impact: regionaltragic