Qi (state)

Quick Facts: Who was Qi (state)?

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Qi (state)

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A powerful state during the Zhou dynasty, known for its cultural and political resilience.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Qi, or Ch'i in Wade–Giles romanization, was a regional state of the Zhou dynasty in ancient China, whose rulers held titles of Hou (侯), then Gong (公), before declaring themselves independent Kings (王). Its capital was Linzi, located in present-day Shandong. Qi was founded shortly after the Zhou conquest of Shang, c. 1046 BCE. Its first monarch was Jiang Ziya (Lord Tai; r. 1046–1015 BCE), minister of King Wen and a legendary figure in Chinese culture.

Career & Major Achievements

His family ruled Qi for several centuries before it was replaced by the Tian family in 386 BCE. Qi was the final surviving state to be annexed by Qin during its unification of China. During the Zhou conquest of Shang, Jiang Ziya, a native of Ju County served as the chief minister to King Wu of Zhou, the same position he had held in service to King Wu's father. Following Zhou victory, the lands comprising much of the Shandong peninsula and some nearby surrounds were established as the state of Qi, with the Jiang clan charged with ruling and defending them. After King Wu's death, Ziya remained loyal to the Duke of Zhou's regency during the Three Guards' failed rebellion.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Jiang Ziya was also called Lü Shang so the state of Qi is ruled by the Lü family of the Jiang clan and was commonly known as Jiang Qi. The Shang prince Wu Geng had joined the revolt along with the Dongyi polities of Yan, Xu, and Pugu, located within the boundaries of Qi. These were suppressed by 1039 BCE, but the Bamboo Annals suggest that the native people of Pugu continued to revolt for about another decade before being destroyed a second time c. 1026. Transmitted documents from the Western Zhou period are scant, but it is known that King Yi of Zhou (r. 865–858 BCE) attacked Qi and boiled Duke Ai to death.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1039: 1039 Milestone — These were suppressed by 1039 BCE, but the Bamboo Annals suggest that the native people of Pugu continued to revolt for about another decade before being destroyed a second time c.
2. 1046: 1046 Milestone — 1046–1015 BCE), minister of King Wen and a legendary figure in Chinese culture.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Qi (state)

True or False: “The state of Qi was the last major regional power to be annexed by Qin during the unification of China.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Qi's final fall in 222 BCE marked the end of the Zhou dynasty era and the beginning of Imperial China.

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