Map showing the main
areas in revolt against
Qin, 209-206 BC
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The battle of Linji (208 BC) saw two of the many rebels against the failing Qin dynasty defeated and killed by Zhang Han, one of the most successful Qin generals (Fall of the Qin Dynasty). After the death of the First Emperor (210 BC) a series of revolts broke out against the brutal rule of the Qin. As those revolts gathered momentum a number of members of former ruling houses emerged from obscurity and attempted to restore their kingdoms. Wei Jiu declared himself to be King of Wei, while Tien Dan claimed the kingdom of Qi.
Although the Qin dynasty was under great pressure, it still commanded powerful armies and in the shape of Zhang Han possessed a capable general. When he laid siege to the capital of Wei, Wei Jiu retreated to Linji (Pinyin)/ Lin-chi (Wade-Giles). Tien Dan led his army to Linji, but the combined forces were unable to stand up to Zhang Han. The Qin army was victorious, and both Tien Dan and Wie Jiu were killed. Zhang Han went on to eliminate another of the rebellious kings at the battle of Dingtao (208 BC), but he was unable to prop up the failing Qin dynasty, and in the following year surrendered to the rebels.