Li Guangli

AncientGeneralChina-140 — -88

Han general who campaigned in Ferghana for heavenly horses.

Compare Li Guangli with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

140 BCE

Died

88 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)62

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)51

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)34

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score45.4

Li Guangli — Complete Timeline

104 BC

Campaigned in Ferghana for heavenly horsesWar◆ Major

Li Guangli led a Han army of 60,000 men to conquer the city-state of Dayuan (Ferghana) to obtain prized 'heavenly horses'. After a two-year siege, Dayuan submitted and provided horses, but the campaign cost tens of thousands of lives.

Military CampaignFerghanaHan Dynasty

Impact: regionaldestructive

99 BC

Defeated by the Xiongnu at the Battle of MobeiWar◆ Major

Li Guangli led a Han army against the Xiongnu but was defeated and captured. His surrender to the Xiongnu was seen as a disgrace, and he later served as a military advisor to the Xiongnu chanyu.

DefeatXiongnuSurrender

Impact: regionaltragic

88 BC

Executed by the XiongnuOther

After a failed plot to assassinate the Xiongnu chanyu, Li Guangli was executed by the Xiongnu. His death ended a controversial career marked by both military ambition and ultimate failure.

ExecutionXiongnuDeath

Impact: regionaltragic