Battles & Campaigns · 208
Battle of Changban
Dangyang, Hubei, China
What happened
After Jing Province surrendered to Cao Cao, Liu Bei retreated south with a large crowd of civilians. Cao Cao's fast cavalry caught up with them at Changban. Liu Bei escaped with a small group, while Cao Cao's men captured most of the civilians and baggage.
Why it matters
Liu Bei's escape led to his alliance with Sun Quan, which made the Battle of Red Cliffs possible. That alliance became the basis of the Three Kingdoms.
What came next
Later in 208 the allies defeated Cao Cao at Red Cliffs.
Did you know?
Zhang Fei held the Changban bridge with only 20 horsemen, having them move in the woods to look like more, and Cao Cao's men feared an ambush.
Timeline
- Oct 208Battle of Changban.
- Winter 208Battle of Red Cliffs.
- 219Battle of Fancheng.