Origins & Early Life

Jing Ke (died 227 BC) was a youxia during the late Warring States period of Ancient China. As a retainer of Crown Prince Dan of the Yan state, Jing Ke was infamous for his failed assassination attempt on King Zheng of the Qin state, who later became Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty and the first unified sovereign in Chinese history. Jing Ke's story is told in the chapter titled Biographies of Assassins (刺客列傳) in Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian. In 230 BC, the Qin state began conquering other states as part of King Zheng's ambition to unify the country.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Qin army, having already achieved absolute military supremacy over the other states since 260 BC, first successfully annihilated the state of Han, the weakest of the Seven Warring States. Two years later, the once-formidable Zhao state was also conquered in 228 BC. Zhao's northeastern neighbor, the Yan state was next in line to be threatened by Qin expansion. In exchange for peace, King Xi of Yan had earlier forced his son Crown Prince Dan to be held a diplomatic hostage in the Qin, but Prince Dan returned knowing that Qin was far stronger than Yan and would attack it sooner or later...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Jingtai Emperor — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Seventh Ming Emperor, known for rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the state.
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• Jo Jorgensen — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: American libertarian activist and academic known for her political campaigns.
• João Fernandes Lavrador — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Portuguese explorer known for early sightings on North America's northeast coasts.
• João Ubaldo Ribeiro — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Esteemed Brazilian author, journalist, and professor celebrated for his literary depth.
• -227 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -227