Qi (state)
A major Zhou state, hegemon, and last to fall to Qin.
Qi, or Ch'i in Wade–Giles romanization, was a regional state of the Zhou dynasty in ancient China, whose rulers held titles of Hou (侯), then Gong (公), before declaring themselves independent Kings (王). Its capital was Linzi, located in present-day Shandong. Qi was founded shortly after the Zhou conquest of Shang, c. 1046 BCE, and its first monarch was Jiang Ziya (Lord Tai; r. His family ruled Qi for several centuries before it was replaced by the Tian family in 386 BCE. Qi was the final surviving state to be annexed by Qin during its unification of China.
- Annexed by Qin
- 221 BCE
Lore & Background
Qi was founded shortly after the Zhou conquest of Shang, with Jiang Ziya as its first monarch. During the Western Zhou, King Yi of Zhou attacked Qi and boiled Duke Ai to death. Under King Xuan of Zhou, a local succession struggle occurred. Many native Dongyi peoples were absorbed into Zhou culture during this period. During the Spring and Autumn period, Qi rose to prominence under Duke Huan of Qi and his minister Guan Zhong, who strengthened the state by consolidating power, establishing a system of counties, and creating state monopolies on salt and iron. After Duke Huan's death, a war of succession weakened Qi.
Reader's Guide
Qi's significance lies in its role as a major regional state during the Zhou dynasty, its rise to hegemony under Duke Huan, and its administrative reforms under Guan Zhong, which foreshadowed Legalist policies. The state's eventual replacement of the Jiang clan by the Tian family in 386 BCE marked a shift in ruling houses. The state's legacy includes its cultural distinctiveness, as noted in texts like The Book of Master Wu, which described the people of Qi as unyielding but noted organizational weaknesses in their army. Qi also patronized scholars early in the Warring States period.
Did You Know?
- Qi's first monarch, Jiang Ziya, was also known as Lü Shang, so the state was commonly called Jiang Qi.
- Duke Huan of Qi was the first of five hegemons, earning tribute from other states and recognized as hegemon by the Zhou court.
- The Tian family replaced the Jiang clan as rulers of Qi in 386 BCE after a series of internal conflicts.
- During the Qin dynasty uprisings, Tian Heng and over five hundred followers committed suicide rather than surrender to Liu Bang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Qi (state)?
Qi was a major regional state under the Zhou dynasty, headquartered at Linzi in present-day Shandong. Its rulers progressed from the Zhou-granted title of Hou to Gong, and eventually declared themselves independent Kings.
Who founded Qi (state)?
Jiang Ziya, a legendary minister of King Wen of Zhou, established the state around 1046 BCE following the Zhou conquest of Shang. His lineage governed Qi for several centuries until the Tian family usurped the throne in 386 BCE.
What role did Qi (state) play among the Warring States?
Qi stood as one of the top-tier hegemons competing for dominance across the divided Chinese landscape. It was the last of the major states to hold out against Qin's successive campaigns of conquest.
How does Qi (state)'s story end?
In 221 BCE, Qin forces annexed Qi, making it the final surviving state to fall and effectively closing the Warring States era. This event completed Qin's unification of the seven major powers into a single empire.
Why is Qi (state) important in East Asian history?
Spanning over eight centuries, Qi produced foundational cultural figures like Jiang Ziya and repeatedly shaped the balance of power as a leading hegemon. Its last stand and ultimate absorption by Qin mark the definitive end of the multi-state Zhou order.
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