Wei (Spring and Autumn Period)

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This article is about the State of Wei founded during the Spring and Autumn Period. For the Warring States Period state whose name is pronounced identically, see Wei (state).

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The State of Wei (Chinese) 卫/衞 Wèi )was a state, founded in the Zhou Dynasty, which rose to prominence during the Spring and Autumn Period. Its rulers were of the surname Ji (姬), the same as that of the rulers of Zhou.

[edit] Early History

The history of Wei dates back to the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty, when the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou was given a fief centred around Chaoge, the capital of the Shang Dynasty; in later years the fief was further expanded and given the title Wei.

The original feudal rank of the rulers of Wei was elevated to that of hou (roughly equivalent to Marquess) by bribery; during the turmoil in 771 BC, when the Zhou capital of Haojing was sacked and the crown prince fled east, the state of Wei protected and escorted the prince, and for this the rulers were further elevated to gong (equivalent to a Duke).

[edit] Spring and Autumn Period

The State of Wei was at its peak during the early Spring and Autumn Period, under Duke Wu of Wei, who reigned for 55 years. In the reign of subsequent rulers, however, the state was plagued by succession troubles, until Duke Yi of Wei took the throne; his dissolute rule and obsession with cranes weakened the state, and in the eighth year of his reign the Rong peoples successfully attacked the capital at Chaoge, killing the Duke and nearly destroying the state as well.

It was only with the aid of Duke Huan of Qi that the state was eventually restored, with its capital moved to Chuqiu.