Gao Xianzhi

MedievalGeneralChina693 — 756

Goguryeo-descended Tang general who fought in Central Asia.

Compare Gao Xianzhi with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

693

Died

756

Country

China

Era

Medieval

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)74

Political (20%)44

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)68

Total Score55.2

Gao Xianzhi — Complete Timeline

747 AD

Conquest of the Western TurksWar◆ Major

Gao Xianzhi led a successful campaign against the Western Turkic Khaganate, capturing their leader and bringing the region under Tang control. This campaign extended Tang influence deep into Central Asia.

Tang DynastyCentral AsiaConquest

Impact: regional

751 AD

Battle of TalasWar

Gao Xianzhi led Tang forces against the Abbasid Caliphate and Tibetan allies at the Talas River in Central Asia. The Tang army was defeated due to the defection of Karluk mercenaries, halting Tang expansion westward and marking a turning point in Central Asian influence.

Tang DynastyCentral AsiaBattle

Impact: global

756 AD

Execution by Emperor XuanzongPolitical Action◆ Major

Gao Xianzhi was executed on the orders of Emperor Xuanzong after the fall of Tong Pass. He was blamed for the military failures against An Lushan, despite his earlier successes in Central Asia.

Tang DynastyExecutionAn Lushan Rebellion

Impact: nationaltragic