Meng Da
Military general who served various warlords during China's tumultuous Three Kingdoms period.
Quick Facts: Who was Meng Da?
- Subject:
- Meng Da
- Known for:
- Military general who served various warlords during China's tumultuous Three Kingdoms period.
- Born:
- 150
- Died:
- 228
- Century / Era:
- 150s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Meng Da (; died c. March 228), courtesy name Zidu, was a military general of the state of Cao Wei during the early Three Kingdoms period of China. He previously served the warlords Liu Zhang and Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty before defecting to Wei. In Wei, he served under the first two rulers, Cao Pi and Cao Rui. Around late 227, he started a rebellion in Wei and aimed to rejoin the Shu-Han but the revolt was swiftly suppressed by the Wei general Sima Yi. Meng Da was captured and executed for treason.
Career & Major Achievements
Meng Da was a son of Meng Ta (孟他; fl.150-170), who was Inspector of Liang province during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han. In the early Jian'an era (196–220) of the reign of Emperor Xian of Han, when famines broke out, Meng Da and his friend Fa Zheng (who was from the same commandery) travelled to Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing) to join the provincial governor, Liu Zhang. Meng defected to another warlord, Liu Bei, when the latter invaded Yi Province in the early 210s and seized control of the province from Liu Zhang. Liu Bei sent Meng Da to guard Jiangling (江陵), and promoted him to Administrator (太守) of Yidu (宜都) later after settling Yi Province. Meng Da's original courtesy name was "Zijing", but he changed it to "Zidu" to avoid naming taboo because "Zijing" was also the courtesy name of Liu Bei's uncle.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
In 219, Meng Da was ordered to lead a force from Zigui (秭歸) to attack Fangling (房陵); while at Fangling, Meng killed its Administrator Kuai Qi (蒯祺). After conquering Fangling, Meng Da advanced further north and captured another city, Shangyong (上庸), where he rendezvoused with Liu Feng, Liu Bei's adoptive son. Later that year, when Liu Bei's general Guan Yu was trapped by enemy forces in Jing Province, Guan requested reinforcements from Liu Feng and Meng Da, but they refused. Guan Yu was eventually captured by forces of the eastern warlord Sun Quan and was executed. Meng Da was afraid that he would be punished for refusing to help Guan Yu.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Meng Da
True or False: “Meng Da was executed by Sima Yi because he openly challenged Cao Wei's authority before any rebellion was planned.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): His rebellion plot was leaked out by Shen Yi, and Sima Yi cornered him after the initial attempt to rebel in 228.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
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- Septimius Severus — Contemporary figure (Born in 146) (146): Emperor who ruled from 193 to 211, establishing the Severan Dynasty.
- Cao Cao — Contemporary figure (Born in 155) (155): Statesman, warlord, and poet who founded the state of Cao Wei.
- Polycarp — Contemporary figure (Died in 155) (155): A foundational Christian Bishop of Smyrna, revered as an Apostolic Father.
- 150 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 150
- 228 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 228
Frequently Asked Questions about Meng Da
Who was Meng Da and what are their primary contributions?
Military general who served various warlords during China's tumultuous Three Kingdoms period. Origins & Early Life: Meng Da (; died c. March 228), courtesy name Zidu, was a military general of the state of Cao Wei during the early Three Kingdoms period of China. He previously served the warlords Liu Zhang and Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty before defecting to Wei. In Wei, he served under the first two rulers, Cao Pi and Cao Rui. Around late 227, he started a rebellion in Wei and aimed to rejoin the Shu-Han but the revolt was swiftly suppressed by the Wei general Sima Yi. Meng Da was captured and executed for treason.
When was Meng Da born and during which historical era did they live?
Meng Da was born on 150 and passed away on 228. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 150 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Meng Da?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia