Jiang Ziya

Founding monarch of the Qi state and key strategist in the overthrow of the Shang dynasty.

Chronology: -1128 – -1015

Origins & Early Life

Jiang Ziya (fl. 12th century BC – 11th century BC), also known by several other names, was the founding monarch of the Qi state. He was a military general and strategist who assisted King Wen of Zhou and King Wu of Zhou overthrow the Shang dynasty and establish the Zhou dynasty. Following their victory in the Battle of Muye, he continued to serve as a Zhou minister.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He remained loyal to the regent Ji Dan (Duke Wen of Zhou) during the Rebellion of the Three Guards; following the Ji Dan's punitive raids against the restive Dongyi, Jiang was enfeoffed with the land of Qi. He established his seat at Yingqiu (in modern-day Linzi, Zibo, Shandong). He has been worshipped as a war god since the Han and, especially, Tang dynasties. He is also celebrated in Chinese literature, and is one of the main heroes in the Ming-era Investiture of the Gods. == Names == The first ruler of Qi bore the given name Shang.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The nobility of ancient China bore two surnames, an ancestral temple surname and a lineage surname. His were Jiang (姜) and Lü (呂), respectively. He had two courtesy names, Shangfu (尚父; "Esteemed Father") and Ziya (子牙; lit. "Master Ivory, Master Tusk"), which were used for respectful address...

Source: Wikipedia