The campaign
Fancheng campaign
樊城之战
In 219, Guan Yu marched north from Jing province and besieged Fancheng. Autumn floods on the Han River drowned Yu Jin’s seven relief armies; Guan Yu captured Yu Jin and executed Pang De, and Cao Cao’s court weighed moving the capital. Then Lü Meng crossed the river in disguise and seized Guan Yu’s base at Jiangling. Abandoned by his troops, Guan Yu was captured and executed by Sun Quan’s forces.
See the realm in 219 on the historical atlasThe people
Who fought it
Sources
Historical sources
- Chronicle资治通鉴 · 卷六十五·建安十三年
Guan Yu’s northern campaign ended after Wu forces attacked his rear and captured him.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
In 219 Guan Yu led an army against Cao Ren at Fancheng.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
After Sun Quan seized Jiangling and the families of Guan Yu’s soldiers, his force dispersed and he was captured near Linju.
- Historical record三国志 · 吴书二·吴主传
Sun Quan’s forces seized Jing province positions while Guan Yu was campaigning north, leading to Guan Yu’s capture and death.
- Historical record三国志 · 吴书九·周瑜鲁肃吕蒙传
The biography says soldiers hid aboard boats and wore merchant clothing while moving toward Jing.
- Historical record三国志 · 吴书十三·陆逊传
Lü Meng recommended Lu Xun as a capable successor whose limited fame might not alarm Guan Yu.