Who’s Shu?

“What was important about the Shu Han kingdom? Who led it and what claim did it have on the Imperial Throne?”

Shu Han's importance lies in its role as a symbol of perseverance and resistance against adversity. Its leaders, especially Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, are celebrated figures in Chinese history and literature.

Shu Han was founded by Liu Bei, whose claim to the imperial throne was based on his lineage as a distant relative of the ruling Liu clan of the Han Dynasty. He and his followers considered themselves legitimate defenders of the Han Dynasty's legacy, aiming to restore the Han monarchy and bring stability to the realm. Liu Bei declared himself Emperor Zhaolie of Shu in 221 CE.

He was joined by the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang, whose military and political expertise contributed significantly to the kingdom's survival. Zhuge Liang's innovations in military tactics and governance had a lasting impact on Chinese history.

Shu Han also held significance due to its unique geographical location. Located in the southwestern region of China, primarily in the Sichuan Basin, the rugged terrain of the region provided a natural defense against potential invaders, contributing to Shu Han's resilience.

Unfortunately, despite its determination and efforts, Shu Han faced challenges such as resource scarcity and conflicts with its rivals. After Liu Bei's death, his son Liu Shan ascended to the throne, but the kingdom struggled to maintain its power. In 263 CE, Shu Han was conquered by the Wei forces, bringing an end to its existence as an independent state.

In the Koei Tecmo game series, Dynasty Warriors, the kingdom of Shu is associated with the colour green and is symbolised by a dragon. These associations sometimes find their way into other works too, and I’ve stuck with the colour scheme for this blog as well!