Jing Ke

AncientPoliticianChina-250 — -227

Assassin who attempted to kill Qin Shi Huang.

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Quick Facts

Born

250 BCE

Died

227 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)29

Political (20%)64

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)71

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score53.8

Jing Ke — Complete Timeline

227 BC

Assassination Attempt on Qin Shi HuangPolitical Action◆ Major

Jing Ke, sent by the crown prince of Yan, attempted to assassinate King Zheng of Qin (later Qin Shi Huang) at his court. He presented a map and a severed head as gifts, then tried to stab the king with a dagger hidden in the map. The attempt failed, and Jing Ke was killed.

Assassination AttemptYan StateQin Shi Huang

Impact: regional

Mission to QinPolitical Action◆ Major

Jing Ke was chosen by Crown Prince Dan of Yan to carry out the assassination plot. He was given the heads of two Qin generals and a map of Yan territory to gain access to the Qin court. The mission was a desperate attempt to prevent Qin's conquest of Yan.

Diplomatic MissionYan StateQin Conquest

Impact: regional

Death at Qin CourtPolitical Action◆ Major

After the failed assassination attempt, Jing Ke was killed by Qin guards. His death became a symbol of futile resistance against Qin's unification, and he is remembered as a tragic hero in Chinese history.

DeathAssassination AttemptMartyrdom

Impact: regionaltragic