The Nanman (南蛮 nán mán) were southern tribes inhabiting modern Yunnan, Guizhou, and northern Vietnam. In 225, Zhuge Liang led the Southern Campaign to pacify these tribes, famously capturing their leader Meng Huo seven times before releasing him. After this campaign, the Nanman pledged loyalty to Shu Han and provided troops for Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expeditions. The campaign became one of the most celebrated episodes in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Relationship with the Three Kingdoms
The nomadic and tribal peoples on China’s frontiers played important roles in Three Kingdoms military affairs. They provided cavalry, frontier knowledge, and sometimes served as buffers against more distant threats. All three kingdoms,Wei, Shu, and Wu,maintained relationships with various tribal groups, though the nature of these relationships varied from alliance to subjugation.
Military contribution
Tribal forces were valued for their:
- Cavalry skills , Especially Xiongnu and Wuhuan horsemen
- Frontier knowledge , Understanding of difficult terrain
- Archery , Nomadic tribes were expert archers
- Light infantry , Nanman and Qiang warriors
References
- Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
- Fan Ye, Book of the Later Han (后汉书)
- de Crespigny, Rafe. Northern Frontier: The Policies and Strategy of the Later Han Empire