King Fuchai of Wu

AncientEmperorChina-528 — -473

Last king of Wu who spared Goujian and lived to regret it.

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Quick Facts

Born

528 BCE

Died

473 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)65

Political (20%)42

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)59

Strategy (15%)58

Total Score51.8

King Fuchai of Wu — Complete Timeline

494 BC

Defeated Yue and Captured GoujianWar◆ Major

King Fuchai of Wu defeated the state of Yue at the Battle of Fujiao. He captured King Goujian of Yue and took him as a hostage, but later released him after Goujian feigned submission, a decision that proved fatal.

VictoryYueGoujian

Impact: regional

491 BC

Spared Goujian's LifePolitical Action

Fuchai, persuaded by his minister Bo Pi and deceived by Goujian's apparent loyalty, released the Yue king. This act of clemency allowed Goujian to return to Yue and secretly rebuild his strength for revenge.

MistakeGoujianRelease

Impact: regionaldestructive

482 BC

Became Hegemon of the Spring and Autumn PeriodPolitical Action◆ Major

Fuchai convened a meeting of feudal lords at Huangchi and was recognized as hegemon. However, while he was away, Yue attacked Wu's capital, weakening Wu and exposing the vulnerability of his overextension.

HegemonYue AttackOverreach

Impact: regional

473 BC

Committed Suicide After Wu's FallOther◆ Major

Yue forces under Goujian conquered Wu. Fuchai, surrounded and defeated, committed suicide. His death ended the Wu state, and his earlier decision to spare Goujian was seen as the cause of his downfall.

DeathDefeatYue

Impact: regionaltragic