The campaign
Battle of Tong Pass
潼关之战
In 211 Ma Chao, newly in command of his father’s troops, formed an alliance with Han Sui against Cao Cao; the coalition at Tong Pass also included Yang Qiu, Li Kan, Cheng Yi, and other regional commanders. Cao Cao met Han Sui and Ma Chao on horseback during the campaign; Ma Chao considered seizing him but held back when Xu Chu watched him closely. Cao Cao then used Jia Xu’s strategy to sow distrust between Ma Chao and Han Sui, and as the coalition leaders began to suspect one another their army was defeated. Ma Chao took refuge among the western tribes.
See the realm in 209 on the historical atlasThe people
Who fought it
Sources
Historical sources
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Once in command of the troops, Ma Chao formed an alliance with Han Sui against Cao Cao.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
The coalition at Tong Pass also included Yang Qiu, Li Kan, Cheng Yi, and other regional commanders.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Ma Chao and the coalition advanced to Tong Pass, where they faced Cao Cao’s campaign.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Cao Cao met Han Sui and Ma Chao on horseback during the Tong Pass campaign.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Ma Chao considered seizing Cao Cao during the meeting but did not act when Xu Chu watched him closely.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
Cao Cao used Jia Xu’s strategy to sow distrust between Ma Chao and Han Sui.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
As the coalition leaders began to suspect one another, their army was defeated.
- Historical record三国志 · 蜀书六·关张马黄赵传
After the defeat, Ma Chao took refuge among the western tribes.