Liu Pi (; 216–154 BC) was a nephew of

Emperor Gao of Han Emperor Gaozu of Han (2561 June 195 BC), also known by his given name Liu Bang, was the founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, reigning from 202 to 195 BC. He is considered by traditional Chinese historiography to be one of ...

, son of Liu Xi, Prince of Dai, and appointed

Prince A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...

of Wu by Emperor Gao. During the reign of Emperor Jing, he initiated the Rebellion of the Seven States to resist the Emperor's centralizing policies, during which he was defeated and killed.

Biography

In 196 BC, he was made Marquess of Pei at the age of 20. He demonstrated his combat ability as a cavalry general in the campaign against

Ying Bu Ying Bu (died November or December 196 BC) was a Chinese military general, monarch, politician, and warlord who lived during the early Han dynasty. He was a native of Lu County (六縣; present-day Lu'an, Anhui). In his early life under the Qin ...

. On 30 November 196 BC,''xinchou'' day of the 10th month of the 12th year of Liu Bang's reign (including his tenure as King of Han), per vol.12 of ''Zizhi Tongjian''. In the modified ''Zhuanxu'' calendar used during the era, the 12th year of Liu Bang's reign starts from 12 Nov 196 BCE and ends on 01 Nov 195 BCE in the proleptic Julian calendar. Emperor Gao promoted Liu Pi to Prince of Wu due to his growing concerns about the Wu provinces. When

Emperor Wen of Han Emperor Wen of Han (; 203/02 – 6 July 157 BC), personal name Liu Heng (), was the fifth Emperor of China, emperor of the Han dynasty from 180 until his death in 157 BC. The son of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Emperor Gao and Empress Dowager Bo, Conso ...

was on the throne, Liu Pi's son Liu Xian and Crown Prince Qi (later

Emperor Jing of Han Emperor Jing of Han (188 BC – 9 March 141 BC), born Liu Qi, was the sixth Emperor of China, emperor of the Han dynasty from 157 to 141 BC. His reign saw the limiting of the power of the feudal kings and princes which resulted in the Rebellion ...

) were involved in a game of ''

Liubo ''Liubo'' (; Old Chinese *''kruk pˤak'' “six sticks”) was an History of China, ancient Chinese board game for two players. The rules have largely been lost, but it is believed that each player had six game pieces that were moved around the ...

'' which ended in the two getting into an argument and the crown prince killing Liu Pi's son with the chess board. Out of revenge and reflecting his growing distrust of the Emperor, Liu Pi started building up his wealth and military power within his territory. Emperor Wen believed his son was at fault for Liu Xian's death and did not hold Liu Pi accountable for his aggressive actions. After Crown Prince Qi ascended to the throne and became Emperor Jing of Han, based on the advice from Chao Cuo, Emperor Jing began to centralize power in an attempt to reduce the strength of the regional princes. In 154 BC, Liu Pi convinced six other princes to rebel against the emperor, thereby starting the Rebellion of the Seven States. The emperor appointed

Zhou Yafu Zhou Yafu () (died 143 BC) was a Chinese military general and politician of the Western Han dynasty who put down the Rebellion of the Seven States, but later he was arrested and imprisoned by Emperor Jing of Han, Emperor Jing for treason. Zh ...

as commander and he defeated Liu Pi's army. Liu Pi was killed during the battle and his title was abolished.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Liu, Pi 216 BC births 154 BC deaths Han dynasty imperial princes Han dynasty generals Han dynasty rebels