Zhang Han

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Zhang Han (章邯, ?? - 205 BC) was a Chinese general of the Qin Dynasty.

Zhang Han pacified the rebellion led by Chen Sheng and Wu Guang in 208 BC. Zhao Xie, the Prince of Zhao, and Zhang Er then led the remnants of the rebel forces to occupy Julu. Zhang Han consequently led a siege of Julu with 200,000 troops. The siege was relieved by Xiang Yu in the famous battle of Julu.

In this battle, Xiang Yu destroyed his own army's cooking pots, scuttled his own army's boats, and gave only three days' of rations to his own army. Due to these actions, the fighting spirits of Xiang Yu's army were at its greatest. Subsequently, Xiang Yu's army defeated Zhang Han in nine battles without loss. Zhang Han then retreated to defend Jiyuan. He sent Sima Xin to seek reinforcements from the Qin dynasty.

After reinforcements from the Qin dynasty failed to arrive due to the machinations of Zhao Gao, Zhang Han surrendered his army of 200,000 Qin troops to Xiang Yu in 207 BC. While Zhang Han was allowed to live, his troops were ordered to be buried alive. Zhang Han was then made Prince of Yong. Liu Bang defeated Zhang Han's forces in 205 BC and Zhang Han committed suicide.