Ancient Chinese Culture: Basic Facts & Terms

  • Zhou Yu

    Zhou Yu (175–210 CE) was a renowned general of the state of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. His courtesy name was Gongjin, and he was from Shu County, Lujiang Commandery (in present-day southwestern Lujiang County, Anhui). At age 21, he joined Sun Ce in pacifying the Jiangdong region and helped lay the foundation…

  • Cao Cao

    Cao Cao (155–220 CE) was a statesman, military strategist, and poet of the late Eastern Han dynasty. His courtesy name was Mengde, and his childhood nickname was Aman. He was born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery (present-day Bozhou, Anhui). At age 20, he was recommended as a “Filially Pious and Incorrupt” official and appointed…

  • The Goddess of Wu Mountain

    The Goddess of Wu Mountain, according to myth and legend, was the daughter of the Yan Emperor—or, in some versions, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor – named Yao Ji. She died before ever marrying and was buried on the southern slope of Wu Mountain.