Zhang Bu (warlord)

Zhang Bu (張步), also known as Zhang Guang (張廣), was a warlord who lived during the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty in China. He initially served as an official under the Qin Dynasty. After the collapse of the Qin, he rose to prominence by leading a rebellion and establishing himself as an independent ruler in Qi (present-day Shandong province).

Zhang Bu declared himself King of Qi and controlled a significant territory. He initially allied himself with Xiang Yu, a powerful warlord who controlled much of China after overthrowing the Qin. However, as the political landscape shifted and Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, gained strength, Zhang Bu found himself caught between the two competing powers.

Ultimately, Zhang Bu sided with Xiang Yu against Liu Bang. After Xiang Yu's defeat at the Battle of Gaixia, Liu Bang turned his attention to eliminating the remaining warlords, including Zhang Bu. Zhang Bu was defeated and captured by Han forces. He was subsequently executed by Liu Bang. His rebellion was significant as it highlighted the widespread instability and fragmentation of power that characterized the transition from the Qin to the Han Dynasty. His story exemplifies the ambitions and struggles of regional warlords vying for power during this tumultuous period in Chinese history.