Sun Quan

Sun Quan (孫權; 182 – 252 CE), courtesy name Zhongmou (仲謀), was the founder and first emperor of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He ruled Wu from 229 to 252 CE, though he effectively controlled the Jiangdong region from 200 CE onwards, following the death of his elder brother Sun Ce.

Born into a family of military leaders from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Sun Quan inherited control of the Jiangdong territories after the assassination of Sun Ce. Initially ruling under the authority of the Han court, he skillfully navigated alliances and conflicts with the rival warlords Cao Cao and Liu Bei. He successfully defended his territories against Cao Cao's large-scale invasion at the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208 CE, forming an alliance with Liu Bei.

Despite their alliance, Sun Quan and Liu Bei eventually clashed over territorial disputes, culminating in the Battle of Xiaoting in 221-222 CE, where Sun Quan's forces decisively defeated Liu Bei. Following Liu Bei's defeat, Sun Quan declared himself Emperor of Wu in 229 CE, establishing his own independent dynasty.

Sun Quan's reign was marked by internal stability and economic prosperity in the Jiangdong region. He implemented policies that encouraged agriculture, trade, and shipbuilding. He also established a sophisticated bureaucracy and promoted education. His long reign laid the foundation for the stability and longevity of the Eastern Wu kingdom. He was succeeded by his son, Sun Liang. Despite his achievements, his later years were marred by infighting among his sons over the succession, which contributed to future instability in Wu.