Battle of Muye
Muye, near present-day Xinxiang, Henan, China
What happened
King Wu of Zhou, advised by Jiang Ziya, led the Zhou army against King Di Xin, the last ruler of the Shang dynasty. The Zhou people of western China rose against the Shang kings, claiming that Heaven had taken away the Shang's right to rule. At Muye, many of the Shang troops ran away or changed sides. Those who stayed loyal fought hard, but a Zhou chariot charge broke the Shang line.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The battle ended the Shang dynasty and began the Zhou dynasty. It became the classic example of the 'Mandate of Heaven', the idea that Heaven gives and takes away the right to rule.
What came next
King Di Xin died after the defeat, and the Zhou took control of the Shang lands. Later Chinese writers used the story to justify the rise of new dynasties.
Did you know?
A bronze vessel called the Li gui, found in 1976, has an inscription recording the Zhou conquest of the Shang, and it is now kept in the National Museum of China.
Timeline
- c. 1046 BCEKing Wu of Zhou defeats the Shang at Muye.
- c. 1046 BCEThe Zhou dynasty begins.
- 1976The Li gui bronze vessel is found at Lintong, Shaanxi.