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The Sanguo Zhi records that Sun Quan's father Sun Jian was a descendant of Sun Wu , the great military strategist of the Warring States period. According to later tradition, Sun Quan was born on Sunzhou ("Sun Island", later Wangzhou - "King's Island"), an islet at the intersection of the Fuchun River and one of its tributaries. Local folklore relates a story about how Sun Quan's grandfather Sun Zhong was originally a melon farmer on the islet.
In his youth Sun Quan spent time in his home county of Fuchun, and after his father's death in the early 190s, at various cities on the Lower Yangzi River. His elder brother Sun Ce carved out a warlord state in the region, based on his own followers and a number of local clan allegiances. When Sun Ce was assassinated by the retainers of Xu Gong , a clan leader, in 200, the eighteen-year-old Sun Quan inherited the lands of Yangzhou province from his brother. It is an achievement that his administration proved to be relatively stable in those early years. Sun Jian and Sun Ce's most senior officers, such as Zhou Yu, Zhang Zhao and Cheng Pu remained loyal. Throughout the 200s Sun Quan continued to build up his strength along the Yangzi River. In early 207, his forces finally won complete victory over Huang Zu , a military leader under Liu BiaoLiu Biao (?-208 AD) was a the governor of the Jing province in China during the end of the Han dynasty. His army killed Sun Jian, the founder of the kingdom of Wu. Liu Biao's forces were consequently defeated by Sun Ce and later Sun Quan. Liu Biao shelter, who dominated the Middle Yangzi.
In winter of that year, the northern warlord Cao CaoCao Co (, pronounced "Tsao Tsao") ( 155- 220) was the self-appointed Imperial Secretarist of the Han Dynasty and the de facto ruler of Northern China (as the Kingdom of Wei) during the beginning of the period of Three Kingdoms. He was a brilliant ruler, s led an army of some 200,000 to conquer south to complete the reunification of China. Two distinct factions emerged at his court on how to handle the situation. One, led by Zhang Zhao, urged surrender whilst the other, led by Zhou Yu and the young diplomat Lu SuLu Su was an advisor for the kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China, having taken over the position from Zhou Yu. Upon Zhou Yu's death, Lu Su was put in charge of Sun Quan's armies and was head advisor until his own death. He was, opposed capitulation. In the finality, Sun Quan decided to oppose Cao Cao in the Middle Yangzi with his superior riverine forces. Allied with the refugee warlord Liu BeiLiu Bei was the founder of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He was portrayed as a virtuous man in the Romance of Three Kingdoms''. Various names in different forms Family name and given name Traditional Chinese characters: Simpli, they defeated Cao Cao decisively at the Battle of Red CliffsBattle of Red Cliffs ( Battle of Chibi was a decisive battle of the wars of the Three Kingdoms in China. It was fought in the winter of 208 between the allied forces of the southern warlords Liu Bei and Sun Quan, and Cao Cao. Liu and Sun successfully resi.
In 220Events Han Xiandi abdicated, symbolizing the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period in China. Cao Pi succeeds his father Cao Cao as ruler of the Kingdom of Wei Births Deaths Cao Cao, self-appointed prime minister of the Han, Cao Pi, son of Cao Cao, seized the throne and proclaimed himself to be the Emperor of China, ending the nominal rule of the Han dynasty. At first Sun Quan wanted to be a king serving the Wei dynasty under Cao Pi, but he failed to make a deal, and so in 222, he declared himself to be the founder of the Kingdom of Wu. It was not until the year 229 that he formally declared himself to be emperor.
Because of his skill in gathering important, honorable men to his cause, Sun Quan was able to delegate authority to capable figures. This primary strength served him well in gaining the support of the common people and surrounding himself with capable generals.
Sun Quan died in 252 at the age of 71. He enjoyed the longest reign among all the founders of the Three Kingdoms. He was succeeded as Emperor of Wu by his son Sun Liang .
Heroes of the Three KingdomsSee also: Chinese history -- Chinese sovereign -- Sanguoyanyi -- Zhou Tai