Battle of Hefei (253)

The Battle of Hefei in 253 CE was a significant engagement during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. It was fought between the state of Cao Wei and the state of Eastern Wu. The battle was part of a larger series of conflicts between the two states over control of strategic territories and resources along the Yangtze River.

The Eastern Wu forces, led by Zhuge Ke, launched a large-scale invasion of Wei territory. Their primary target was Hefei, a strategically important city defending Wei's southern borders. Hefei had been the site of several previous battles between Wei and Wu, and its defenses were considered strong.

The Wei forces defending Hefei were initially outnumbered, but they were led by capable commanders, including Zhang Te. They utilized the city's fortifications and defensive tactics to resist the Wu assault. Zhuge Ke's siege of Hefei proved difficult and protracted.

The battle dragged on for months, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. The Wu forces suffered heavy casualties due to disease and Wei counter-attacks. Morale within the Wu army began to decline, and logistical problems hampered their ability to sustain the siege.

Eventually, Zhuge Ke was forced to withdraw his forces. The retreat was disastrous, with the Wu army suffering further losses. The Battle of Hefei in 253 was a strategic victory for Cao Wei, as it successfully defended its territory and weakened the invading Wu forces. The battle also contributed to Zhuge Ke's downfall in Wu, as his failed campaign undermined his authority and led to his eventual assassination. The battle demonstrated the continued resilience of Wei's defenses and the challenges faced by Wu in expanding its territory northward.