King Li of Zhou

AncientEmperorZhou China-858 — -828

Tyrant exiled by his own people, first Chinese regency.

Compare King Li of Zhou with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

858 BCE

Died

828 BCE

Country

Zhou China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)23

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)43

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)45

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score38.3

King Li of Zhou — Complete Timeline

850 BC

Repressive Policies and MonopoliesReform◆ Major

King Li implemented harsh policies, including state monopolies on natural resources and severe punishments for critics. These measures enriched the crown but provoked widespread resentment among the nobility and commoners.

RepressionMonopolyTyranny

Impact: nationaldestructive

842 BC

Exile by the People of HaojingPolitical Action

King Li's tyrannical rule, including monopolizing resources and suppressing dissent, led to a popular uprising in the capital Haojing. The king was forced to flee into exile, marking the first recorded expulsion of a Chinese king by his own people.

ExileUprisingTyranny

Impact: nationaltragic

841 BC

Gonghe RegencyPolitical Action

Following King Li's exile, the Dukes of Zhou and Shao jointly ruled as regents during the Gonghe Regency. This period of collective rule lasted 14 years and is the first reliably dated period in Chinese history.

RegencyGongheFirst Dated Period

Impact: national