Wei Conquest of Shu 魏灭蜀

In 263 CE, Wei armies under Deng Ai and Zhong Hui invaded and conquered Shu Han. Liu Shan surrendered; the first of the three kingdoms fell.

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The Wei conquest of Shu (魏灭蜀) in 263 CE was the campaign that ended Shu Han. Sima Zhao sent Deng Ai and Zhong Hui to invade. Jiang Wei held the passes, but Deng Ai led a force through the Yinping Crossing, emerged on the Chengdu plain, and Liu Shan surrendered. Shu Han was abolished and its territory incorporated into Wei (later Jin).

The two prongs

Zhong Hui’s army advanced through the passes and engaged Jiang Wei. Deng Ai took a smaller force through the mountains via Yinping—a route considered nearly impassable—and reached Jiangyou and Mianzhu. With the capital exposed and no relief in sight, Liu Shan surrendered to Deng Ai. Jiang Wei later laid down his arms before Zhong Hui.

Aftermath

Shu territory was integrated into Wei. Liu Shan was moved to Luoyang. The failed Zhong Hui’s Rebellion (264) cost the lives of Jiang Wei and Zhong Hui. For the same events from the Shu perspective, see Fall of Shu.