King Daoxiang of Zhao
| King Daoxiang of Zhao | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reign | 244 BCE-236 BCE | ||||||||
| Predecessor | King Xiaocheng | ||||||||
| Successor | King Youmiu | ||||||||
| Born | unknown | ||||||||
| Died | 236 BCE | ||||||||
| Spouse | unknown | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Father | King Xiaocheng of Zhao | ||||||||
King Daoxiang of Zhao (Traditional Chinese: 趙悼襄王) (died 236 BCE, reigned 244 BCE – 236 BCE) reigned in the State of Zhao during the Warring States period of Chinese history.
Born as Zhao Yan to King Xiaocheng of Zhao, he was originally not groomed to succeed to the throne. However, his path to the throne was eased by the circumstances. Firstly, the heir to the Zhao throne was required to spend a large portion of his youth as a hostage in the Qin court - thus making him susceptible to court intrigue. Secondly, the minister Guo Kai was intent on making Zhao Yan the next king. Therefore, when King Xiaocheng died, instead of welcoming the rightful heir back to Handan, Guo Kai proclaimed Zhao Yan as king instead. The famous Zhao general Lian Po objected to this state of affairs and resigned his posts as a result.
King Daoxiang's rule saw Zhao engage in warfare with its eastern neighbor, Yan. Under the command of general Li Mu, Zhao initiated two successful campaigns against Yan in 244 BCE and 235 BCE, gaining land in what is now central Hebei.
Zhao Daoxiang died in 236 BCE, in the midst of a Qin invasion of Zhao.
Notes and references
- Zhao Guo Shi Gao (Draft History of the Zhao State), Shen Changyun, Zhonghua Book Company, China.