Yue (state)

Quick Facts: Who was Yue (state)?

Subject:

Yue (state)

Known for:

Ancient powerful state in eastern China, known for its navy and metalworking.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Yue (Chinese: 越), also known as Yuyue (於越 or 于越), was a state in ancient China which existed during the first millennium BC – the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China's Zhou dynasty – in the modern provinces of Zhejiang, Shanghai and Jiangsu. Its original capital was Kuaiji (modern Shaoxing); after its conquest of Wu, Yue relocated its court north to the city of Wu (modern-day Suzhou). Yue was conquered by Chu in 333 BC. A specific kingdom, which had been known as the "Yue Guo" (越國) in modern Zhejiang, was not mentioned until it began a series of wars against its northern neighbor Wu during the late 6th century BC. According to the Records of the Grand Historian and Discourses of the States, the Yue are descended from Wuyu, the son of Shao Kang, the sixth king of the Xia dynasty.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

With help from Wu's enemy Chu, Yue won after several decades of conflict. The famous Yue King Goujian destroyed and annexed Wu in 473 BC. Yue then inherited Wu's good relations with Jin, and the two became allies. In 441 BC, Jin and Yue invaded Qi, whereupon Qi erected the Long Wall to prevent Yue attacks from southern Shandong. Yue reached their apex in 404 BC, when they, along with their ally of Jin, invaded Qi and Lu.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Qi and Lu made peace with Yue, with Qi ceding territory and allowing Yue to march triumphantly through the Lu capital. The Marquis of Lu drove King Yi's carriage, with the Marquis of Qi accompanying him. During the reign of Wuqiang (無彊), six generations after Goujian, Yue was partitioned by Chu and Qi in 333 BC. Yue was famous for the quality of its metalworking, particularly its swords. Examples include the extremely well-preserved Swords of Goujian and Zhougou.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Yue (state)

True or False: “The Yue state was conquered by the State of Chu during the early Spring and Autumn period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Yue was ultimately conquered by Chu in 333 BC, which occurred much later than the early Spring and Autumn period.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Yuen Ren Chao — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Chinese-American linguist, polymath, and advocate for modern Chinese language study.
• Yuezhi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Ancient nomadic people from Central Asia, pivotal to the Silk Road's history.
• Yugoslav Partisans — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Communist-led anti-Axis resistance force in WWII Yugoslavia, led by Josip Broz Tito.
• Yugoslav Wars — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A series of ethnic conflicts and wars that led to the dissolution of Yugoslavia (1991-2001).
• Yugoslavia — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A complex South Slavic nation existing from 1918 to 1992, marked by union and dissolution.
• Yui Hiwatashi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Japanese idol and singer known for her time in AKB48 and Karat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yue (state)