The Battle of Julu, 207 BCE
The Battle of Julu in 207 BCE marks the end of the military superiority of the Qin dynasty in China. Through the course of 208 BCE, the Qin army, under the command of Zhang Han, attacked a number of provinces to expand the lands controlled by the Qin emperor. Zhang Hang attacked Zhao Xie, the King of Zhao. Zhao Xie retreated to the besieged town of Julu, modern-day Xingtai. Other rebel provinces came to the aid of Zhao Xie.
Xiang Yu commanded the army that came to Zhao Xie’s aid. Between his own army and other rebel forces, Xiang Yu likely had 120,000 to 130,000 troops at his disposal. In total, the Qin army present at Zulu numbered well over 200,000. Casualties on the Qin side were immense, certainly totaling more than 100,000 individuals killed, with significantly fewer killed in Xiang Yu’s army. Zhang Hang later surrendered and his army was, according to historical records, buried alive after the surrender. The Qin generals who surrendered were spared, and given significant rank in the new governments of Xiang Yu.