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The Siege of Chencang was a battle between Wei and Shu from December 228 to 229 A.D. during the Three Kingdoms period in China as part of Zhuge Liang's northern expeditions.
[edit] Background
After Wu defeated Wei at the Battle of Shiting, Wei reinforced the east by transferring troops from the west. Because of the troop transfers, Zhuge attacked Chencang. Hao Zhao was told to make defensive preparations after Zhuge Liang's first expedition in fear of a second expedition.
[edit] Battle
In the winter, Zhuge Liang marched through San Pass again and surrounded Chencang. Zhuge Liang brought an array of siege equipment, including scaling ladders, battering rams and archery towers, still Chencang couldn't be broken and the Wei soldiers provided stubborn resistance with various incendiary devices. Cao Zhen opposed him and Zhuge Liang withdrew after provisions were exhausted. Zhang He arrived with relief forces, and food supplies after three weeks. Short on grain, Zhuge ordered a retreat to Hanzhong. Wang Shuang, one of Zhang He subordinates, led his cavalry in pursuit of Shu to Qinling and was killed in an ambush orchestrated by Zhuge.
In the 229, Zhuge Liang sent Chen Shi to besiege Wudu and Yinping. Guo Huai, contemplated leading his men to attack Chen Shi but Zhuge Liang personally advanced on Jianwei. Guo Huai withdrew and the two commanderies were pacified.[1]
[edit] Modern references
The Siege of Chencang has so far only been featured in the fifth game in the Dynasty Warriors series for the Playstation 2. Playing on the Shu side is difficult as the castle is guarded by a wide variety of anti-siege equipment.
[edit] Sources
- ^ Sanguozhi biography of Zhuge Liang
