Sima Yi

AncientGeneralChina179 — 251

Cao Wei strategist whose descendants founded the Jin dynasty.

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Quick Facts

Born

179

Died

251

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)75

Political (20%)59

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)74

Total Score58.3

Sima Yi — Complete Timeline

228 AD

Battle of JietingWar◆ Major

Sima Yi led the Cao Wei forces to defeat the Shu Han army at Jieting, forcing Zhuge Liang to retreat. This victory prevented Shu from capturing the Chang'an region and secured Wei's western border.

BattleCao WeiShu HanThree Kingdoms

Impact: regionalconstructive

231 AD

Defense of HefeiWar

Sima Yi successfully defended the city of Hefei against an Eastern Wu invasion led by Sun Quan. He repelled the Wu forces, maintaining Wei control over the Huai River region.

DefenseCao WeiEastern WuThree Kingdoms

Impact: regionalconstructive

249 AD

Coup at Gaoping TombsPolitical Action

Sima Yi staged a coup against the regent Cao Shuang at the Gaoping Tombs. He seized control of the Cao Wei government, executing Cao Shuang and his faction. This event gave the Sima clan effective control over Wei.

CoupCao WeiThree KingdomsPower Struggle

Impact: nationaldestructive

251 AD

Death and Posthumous HonorsOther◆ Major

Sima Yi died in 251 AD. His descendants later founded the Jin dynasty, fulfilling his ambition. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Xuan of Jin, though he never ruled as emperor himself.

DeathJin DynastyLegacy

Impact: national