Cao Cao - Warlord, Birthday and Facts
Cao Cao's Personal Details
Cao Cao was a Chinese warlord and one of the greatest Generals of the Eastern Han Dynasty during its final years
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthday | March 18, 155 |
| Died on | March 15, 220 |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Famous | Leaders, Military Leaders, Writers, Warlord |
| Spouses | Empress Dowager Bian |
| Known as | Emperor Wu of Wei, Mengde |
| Childrens | Cao Pi, Cao Zhang |
| Birth Place | Bozhou, Anhui, China |
| Gender | Male |
| Father | Cao Song |
| Sun Sign | Pisces |
| Born in | Bozhou, Anhui, China |
| Famous as | Chinese warlord |
| Died at Age | 64 |
Cao Cao's photo
Who is Cao Cao?
Cao Cao, also known by the name Mengde, was a Chinese warlord who became very strong during the final years of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He served as the penultimate Chancellor of the dynasty and was widely regarded as one of the greatest Generals of the Han dynasty towards its end. After the Han dynasty lost its powers, the Three Kingdoms period was ushered in by the formation of the state of Wei. Cao Cao was a very prominent figure of that period and played a key role in laying the foundations for the state of Cao Wei. He was the adopted grandson of the favourite eunuch of the Imperial court and showed signs of aggression and cunningness from an early age. Even as an adolescent he was known to be sly and manipulative. He was made the Captain of Cavalry when the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out and was assigned the task of suppressing the rebels which he did successfully. He proved to be a bold, shrewd and domineering leader who gradually rose to great powers. He was a skillful general and one of the most popular figures of Chinese legend. Regarded as a military genius, he was posthumously honoured as "Emperor Wu of Wei".
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Childhood & Early Life
Cao Cao was the son of Cao Song. His father was the foster son of Cao Teng, the chief eunuch of Emperor Huan.
He was taught hunting and music as a young boy. Even as a teenager he was known for his cunningness in deceiving people to get what he wanted.
A character evaluator by the name of Xu Shao once told him that he would be a “capable minister in peaceful times and an unscrupulous hero in chaotic times”.
Career
He became the district captain of Luoyang when he was 20 years old. The Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out in 184 and he was appointed the Captain of cavalry and sent to Yu Province. He successfully suppressed the rebels and went to Ji’nan to prevent the spread of the rebellion.
He adopted aggressive methods of controlling the rebels in Ji’nan. He banned unorthodox cults and supported Confucianism because of which local leading families were offended. He resigned in 187.
During this time he refused to accept the post of Administrator of Dong Commandery and also declined to join Wang Fen in his coup to replace Emperor Ling with the Marquis of Hefei.
He was made “Colonel Who Arranges the Army” in Luoyang in 188. He was one of the eight heads of a newly established imperial army, the Army of the Western Garden. This new army was however disbanded the very next year.
The Emperor Ling died in 189 and his son came to rule as Emperor Shao; however most of the power was primarily in the hands of Empress Dowager He. Her brother, He Jin, hatched a plot to eliminate the Ten Attendents—a group of eunuchs in the imperial court.
General Dong Zhuo was appointed to lead his army into Luoyang. The eunuchs became aware of the plot and killed He Jin. Dong Zhuo deposed the Emperor Shao and placed a puppet Emperor Xian on the throne.
The regional warlords in Chenliu formed a military alliance under the leadership of Yuan Shao, of which Cao Cao was a member. The coalition however broke up after some months when Dong Zhuo was killed in 192.
Cao Cao was of the belief that Xu Province’s governor had killed his father. Thus he took revenge by massacring thousands of civilians in the Xu Province in 193. Through such wars, he was expanding his powers gradually.
He convinced Emperor Xian to make Xuchang the new capital in 196. Cao Cao was appointed the General-in-Chief, and many viewed the Emperor as a puppet in his hands.
Yuan Shao had since then become the most powerful warlord in China, and Cao cao wanted to maintain good relations with him. However his attempt of forging goodwill was misinterpreted as an attempt to humiliate Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shao and his large troops met Cao Cao and his smaller troop in Guandu, an important point on the Yellow River, in 200. The two parties were unevenly matched as Yuan Shao’s troops consisted of 100,000 men while Cao’s army only had 20,000 men. However, under Cao Cao’s brave leadership, his army won the battle.
Historical records indicate that Cao Cao was a brilliant leader known for his aggressive leadership and cunningness. He was a very brave warrior skilled in the art of fighting.
He was also a talented poet and his verses played a significant role in refining the poetic style of his time. Most of his poetic works have been destroyed over time. He is also credited to have contributed to the Shanshui poetry genre.
The Battle of Guandu, which was fought by Cao Cao against the great warlord Yuan Shao in the final years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, was one of the biggest victories he had achieved. The war marked the beginning of the gradual expansion of northern China which ultimately led to the establishment of the state of Cao Wei.
Personal Life & Legacy
Cao Cao had several wives and concubines including Lady Ding, Lady Wang, Lady Yin, Lady Huan, Consort Zhou, and Consort Liu. He also had numerous children through his relationships with many women.
Some historical records state that he suffered from a brain tumor because of which he experienced excruciating headaches. He died of an illness in 220.
Trivia
This famous Chinese warlord appears as a character in the video game series, Koei's Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
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Cao Cao biography timelines
- // 155Cao Cao was the son of Cao Song. His father was the foster son of Cao Teng, the chief eunuch of Emperor Huan.
- // 184He became the district captain of Luoyang when he was 20 years old. The Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out in 184 and he was appointed the Captain of cavalry and sent to Yu Province. He successfully suppressed the rebels and went to Ji’nan to prevent the spread of the rebellion.
- // 187He adopted aggressive methods of controlling the rebels in Ji’nan. He banned unorthodox cults and supported Confucianism because of which local leading families were offended. He resigned in 187.
- // 188He was made “Colonel Who Arranges the Army” in Luoyang in 188. He was one of the eight heads of a newly established imperial army, the Army of the Western Garden. This new army was however disbanded the very next year.
- // 189The Emperor Ling died in 189 and his son came to rule as Emperor Shao; however most of the power was primarily in the hands of Empress Dowager He. Her brother, He Jin, hatched a plot to eliminate the Ten Attendents—a group of eunuchs in the imperial court.
- // 192The regional warlords in Chenliu formed a military alliance under the leadership of Yuan Shao, of which Cao Cao was a member. The coalition however broke up after some months when Dong Zhuo was killed in 192.
- // 193Cao Cao was of the belief that Xu Province’s governor had killed his father. Thus he took revenge by massacring thousands of civilians in the Xu Province in 193. Through such wars, he was expanding his powers gradually.
- // 196He convinced Emperor Xian to make Xuchang the new capital in 196. Cao Cao was appointed the General-in-Chief, and many viewed the Emperor as a puppet in his hands.
- // 200Yuan Shao and his large troops met Cao Cao and his smaller troop in Guandu, an important point on the Yellow River, in 200. The two parties were unevenly matched as Yuan Shao’s troops consisted of 100,000 men while Cao’s army only had 20,000 men. However, under Cao Cao’s brave leadership, his army won the battle.
- // 15th Mar 220Some historical records state that he suffered from a brain tumor because of which he experienced excruciating headaches. He died of an illness in 220.
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Cao Cao's FAQ
What is Cao Cao birthday?
Cao Cao was born at 0155-03-18
When was Cao Cao died?
Cao Cao was died at 0220-03-15
Where was Cao Cao died?
Cao Cao was died in Luoyang, Henan, China
Which age was Cao Cao died?
Cao Cao was died at age 64
Where is Cao Cao's birth place?
Cao Cao was born in Bozhou, Anhui, China
What is Cao Cao nationalities?
Cao Cao's nationalities is Chinese
Who is Cao Cao spouses?
Cao Cao's spouses is Empress Dowager Bian
Who is Cao Cao childrens?
Cao Cao's childrens is Cao Pi, Cao Zhang
Who is Cao Cao's father?
Cao Cao's father is Cao Song
What is Cao Cao's sun sign?
Cao Cao is Pisces
How famous is Cao Cao?
Cao Cao is famouse as Chinese warlord