Origins & Early Life

Chen Sheng (died c.January 208 BC), also known as Chen She ("She" being his courtesy name), posthumously known as King Yin, was the leader of the Dazexiang Uprising, the first rebellion against the Qin dynasty. It occurred during the reign of the Second Qin Emperor. Chen Sheng was born in Yangcheng (陽城; in present-day Fangcheng County, Henan). In August or September 209 BC, he was a military captain along with Wu Guang when the two of them were ordered to lead 900 soldiers to Yuyang (漁陽; southwest of present-day Miyun County, Beijing) to help defend the northern border against Xiongnu.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Due to storms, it became clear that they could not get to Yuyang by the deadline, and according to law, if soldiers could not get to their posts on time, they would be executed. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, believing that they were doomed, led their soldiers to start a rebellion. They announced that Qin crown prince Fusu, who had wrongly been forced to commit suicide, and Chu general Xiang Yan, who had killed himself after his defeat during the Qin conquest of Chu, had actually survived and were joining their cause. They also declared the reestablishment of Chu. Using 900 men to resist an empire...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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