Zhang Yi

AncientPoliticianChina-373 — -310

Horizontal alliance strategist who served Qin.

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Quick Facts

Born

373 BCE

Died

310 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)47

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)59

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)64

Strategy (15%)47

Total Score56.4

Zhang Yi — Complete Timeline

330 BC

Advocated for the Horizontal AlliancePolitical Action◆ Major

Zhang Yi served as a strategist for the state of Qin, promoting the 'horizontal alliance' (lianheng) policy. This strategy involved Qin allying with distant states to attack nearby ones, weakening the other Warring States and facilitating Qin's expansion.

Warring StatesDiplomacyQin

Impact: regional

328 BC

Appointed Chancellor of QinPolitical Action◆ Major

Zhang Yi was appointed as chancellor (xiang) of Qin, a position he used to implement his diplomatic strategies. His tenure strengthened Qin's position among the Warring States through a combination of alliances and military pressure.

AppointmentQinGovernment

Impact: national

313 BC

Deceived the State of ChuPolitical Action◆ Major

Zhang Yi promised King Huai of Chu 600 li of land in exchange for breaking the alliance with Qi. After Chu complied, Zhang Yi claimed he had only promised 6 li, causing Chu to attack Qin and suffer a major defeat at Danyang.

DeceptionChuQin

Impact: regionaldestructive