Li Mu

Great defensive general of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period.

Chronology: -250 – -229

Origins & Early Life

Li Mu (Chinese: 李牧; died 229 BC), personal name Zuo (繓), courtesy name Mu (牧), was a Chinese military general of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period. He was regarded by the Thousand Character Classic as one of the four Greatest Generals of the Warring States period, along with Bai Qi, Wang Jian and Lian Po. He is widely considered as one of the best defensive tacticians and commanders of ancient warfare. == Life == In 265 BC, Li Mu was stationed in Yanmen Commandery and ordered to defend northwestern commanderies of Yanshan (雁山) and Daijun (代郡) from raids instigated by the Xiongnu (匈奴) and other tribes.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He initially adopted an extremely defensive strategy, for which he was accused of cowardice and thereafter replaced by a more aggressive general. The Zhao state prepared an army of 1,300 war chariots, 13,000 cavalry, 50,000 infantry and 100,000 archers. The army was scattered in the countryside. The Xiongnu sent a small force to raid the border, and Li Mu pretended to be defeated, and abandoned a few thousand men to the Xiongnu. The chanyu (or shan-yü, title for the chief of the Xiongnu) heard of this and then sent a large force to invade Zhao.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Zhao divided into two...

Source: Wikipedia