Origins & Early Life

Zhang Jue ([ʈʂáŋtɕɥě]; died c. October 184) was a religious leader in ancient China who became a military general and led the Yellow Turban Rebellion during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. He had a reputation as a Taoist sorcerer capable of performing miracles, and he became extraordinarily popular. Proclaiming the government as corrupt and oppressive, he and his followers attempted to take over the capital city but was thwarted.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His name is sometimes read as Zhang Jiao ([ʈʂáŋtɕjàʊ]), since the Chinese character of Zhang's given name can be read as either "Jiao" or "Jue", which are 2 different pronunciations of the same character that evolved through different routes. The Yellow Turbans originated as a Taoist movement called the Tàipíng Dào or "Way of the Great Peace" (太平道), which had started well over a decade prior to the rebellion. Zhang Jue's followers hailed him as being able to cure patients by giving them water blessed by the burning of talismans (fulu). Those who recovered then believed in him and his teachings, and his fame spread by word of mouth. Professor Rafe de Crespigny noted that disease outbreaks were reported in Han dynasty...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

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