Liu Yu's expeditions

Liu Yu's expeditions (simplified Chinese: 刘裕北伐; traditional Chinese: 劉裕北伐; pinyin: Liú Yù Běi Fá; "Liu Yu's northern expeditions") were a series of successful campaigns mounted by the Jin dynasty from 409 AD to 416 AD against Southern Yan, Later Qin, Northern Wei and Xia that successfully recovered all of Jin's territory south of the Yellow River with the exception of the Chang'an area, which was taken by Xia. These victories were the basis of the prosperity of the Reign of Yuanjia.

Liu Yu's expeditions
Part of Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period

Map of Liu Yu's expeditions
Date409- 416
Location
Northern China
Result Jin victory; All territory south of the Yellow River except for Chang'an recovered
Belligerents
Jin dynasty Later Qin, Southern Yan, Xia, Northern Wei
Commanders and leaders
Liu Yu Various
Strength
c.100,000-200,000 Northern Wei:c.100,000, others unknown but probably similar.
Casualties and losses
light heavy

Background

Following Jin's victory at the Battle of Fei River, North China divided into several non-ethnically Chinese lead states. After Liu Yu, one of the most excellent generals of the Northern and Southern dynasties period, came to power in Jin, Liu Yu saw the opportunity to recover the areas of China's heartland which were under foreign rule.

Expeditions

1st expedition against Southern Yan

Liu Yu's first expedition was against Southern Yan in 409 CE. The Jin army attacked from Nanjing to Xiapei, and then to Longchen. Along the roads, Jin's forces built fortresses to prevent Southern Yan forces from cutting off their supplies. By May, Jin forces reached the Southern Yan capital at Guangdu. When he reached the area, Liu Yu saw that the ground was covered with grain and he said to his men that: "The Southern Yan ruler is already in my hand", as there would be no supply problems. In February 410 CE, Jin forces captured Guangdu and put an end to Southern Yan.

2nd expedition against Later Qin

In 416 CE, Liu Yu launched a major attack against Later Qin, defeating its general, Yao Shao. After this victory, Liu Yu recovered Luoyang, the former capital of the Jin dynasty and was crowned Duke of Song. To complete his victory, he sent two armies into Shaanxi to engage the remnants of Later Qin's forces.

On their way there, the Jin forces were harassed by Northern Wei cavalry, who attacked the Jin forces' supply routes. In a major engagement, Jin forces defeated Northern Wei forces using crossbows to launch spears through the Wei forces, frightening them and reputedly killing some 30,000 Wei soldiers. Following this victory, Jin forces continued on Later Qin and captured its capital Chang'an, destroying it.

Loss of Chang'an region

Following this victory, it seemed that Jin would quickly destroy Xia, Northern Wei and the remaining barbarian states, reunifying China. However, Liu Yu went back to Nanjing on rumors of the death of Emperor An of Jin, leaving his general Wang Zhen'en in charge. Xia forces took the opportunity to attack, and captured the Chang'an region from Jin. Nevertheless, Jin still held most of China's territory south of the Yellow river, the traditional heartland of China.

Aftermath

These victories laid the foundation for the Reign of Yuanjia, a period of relative prosperity as the Chinese heartlands fell under native rule rather than be subject to threats of invasion or constant warfare.

References

    Sources
    • Book of Song.
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