Hangu Pass (函谷关 hán gǔ guān) was one of the most famous mountain passes in Chinese history, guarding the western approach to the Central Plains. During the Three Kingdoms period, control of Hangu Pass meant control of access to Chang’an and the Wei River valley. The pass was heavily fortified and changed hands multiple times during the warlord conflicts.
Strategic importance
Mountain passes and battle sites were crucial to Three Kingdoms military strategy. Control of key passes meant control of supply lines and invasion routes. Many famous battles were fought at these locations, and their names became synonymous with military triumph or disaster.
References
- Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
- Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义)
- de Crespigny, Rafe. A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms