Wu Zixu

AncientPoliticianChina-559 — -484

Wu state strategist who helped King Helu conquer Chu.

Compare Wu Zixu with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

559 BCE

Died

484 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)75

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)62

Legacy (20%)52

Leadership (15%)53

Strategy (15%)55

Total Score60.3

Wu Zixu — Complete Timeline

515 BC

Assassination of King Liao of WuPolitical Action◆ Major

Wu Zixu orchestrated the assassination of King Liao of Wu, placing Prince Guang on the throne as King Helu. This event allowed Helu to become king and Wu Zixu to serve as a key strategist, setting the stage for Wu's rise.

AssassinationWu StatePower Transition

Impact: nationaldestructive

506 BC

Conquest of Chu by WuWar◆ Major

Wu Zixu, as strategist for King Helu, led the Wu army in a successful invasion of Chu. The Wu forces captured the Chu capital Ying, forcing King Zhao of Chu to flee. This victory was a major achievement for Wu.

ConquestWu StateChu State

Impact: regionaldestructive

Exhumation and Flogging of King Ping's CorpseOther

After capturing the Chu capital, Wu Zixu exhumed the corpse of King Ping of Chu, who had killed his father and brother, and flogged it. This act of personal vengeance was widely condemned and damaged Wu's reputation.

VengeanceWu ZixuChu

destructive

484 BC

Forced Suicide by King FuchaiPolitical Action◆ Major

King Fuchai of Wu, suspicious of Wu Zixu's loyalty, ordered him to commit suicide. Wu Zixu complied, but prophesied that Wu would fall. His death weakened Wu's leadership, and Wu was later conquered by Yue.

SuicideWu StatePolitical Purge

Impact: nationaltragic