【三维地图】夷陵之战，为何能与官渡之战和赤壁之战称为三国时期的三大战役？此战的具体过程究竟是怎样的？【地图里的故事】

Summary

The Battle of Yiling, pivotal in the Three Kingdoms period, is compared to the Battle of Guandu and the Battle of Chibi for its significant impact on the tripartite balance of power. In 221, Liu Bei, leading a massive force, clashed with Lu Xun's strategic defense, leading to a drawn-out conflict. Despite initial Shu advantages, Lu Xun's patient tactics, including a decisive fire attack, turned the tide, resulting in a devastating Shu defeat. The battle solidified the three kingdoms' borders and marked a turning point in the period's military dynamics.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Battle of Yiling is considered one of the three major battles of the Three Kingdoms period, alongside the Battle of Guandu and the Battle of Chibi, marking a significant turning point in the tripartite struggle for power.
• ⚔️ Liu Bei initiated the battle in 221 AD with a large force, aiming to occupy strategic locations along the Yangtze River, which were crucial for military control.
• 🏆 Sun Quan appointed Lu Xun as Grand Governor to counter Liu Bei's offensive, demonstrating the importance of strong leadership in military strategy.
• 🔄 Lu Xun adopted a defensive strategy, choosing to avoid direct confrontation with the stronger Shu forces, highlighting the importance of patience and strategic retreat in warfare.
• 🔍 Lu Xun's careful analysis of the battlefield situation allowed him to make informed decisions, emphasizing the need for thorough reconnaissance in military planning.
• 🔥 Lu Xun's use of fire as a weapon was a decisive tactic that led to the defeat of Liu Bei's forces, showing the effectiveness of unconventional warfare methods.
• 🛡️ The strategic defense posture adopted by Lu Xun, including the concentration of forces and preparation for a decisive battle, was key to the eventual victory.
• 🗺️ Liu Bei's decision to camp in a deep, forested area made his forces vulnerable to Lu Xun's fire attack, illustrating the risks of positioning in military strategy.
• 💥 The Battle of Yiling resulted in a tragic end for Liu Bei, with the loss of tens of thousands of troops and significant military supplies, underscoring the high stakes of war.
• 🛑 The aftermath of the battle led to a stable confrontation among the three kingdoms, with the territories of Wei, Shu, and Wu remaining largely unchanged for nearly 40 years, indicating the long-term impact of significant battles.
• 🎭 The Battle of Yiling is also viewed as a demarcation point in the history of the Three Kingdoms, signifying a shift in the balance of power and the strategic landscape.

Q & A

Why is the Battle of Yiling compared to the Battles of Guandu and Chibi?

The Battle of Yiling is compared to the Battles of Guandu and Chibi because all three are considered major battles that significantly influenced the power dynamics during the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China. Each battle played a critical role in shaping the future of the respective kingdoms involved.

What was Liu Bei's initial strategy when leading his troops into battle?

Liu Bei's initial strategy was to lead tens of thousands of troops from Jiangzhou and have Wu Ban, Feng Xi, and Zhang Nan lead the army to occupy a strategic location on the Yangtze River, which was crucial for controlling the area. He aimed to quickly advance and secure key positions against the Wu forces.

How did Lu Xun's strategy differ from Liu Bei's, and what was its significance?

Lu Xun's strategy was to avoid direct confrontation with Liu Bei's strong forces. Instead, he chose to strategically retreat, concentrate his forces, and wait for an opportunity to strike. This cautious approach allowed him to conserve his army and eventually defeat Liu Bei by exploiting the latter's overextension and poor logistical position.

What role did the geography of the region play in the Battle of Yiling?

The geography of the region, particularly the mountains and the Yangtze River, played a critical role in the battle. The difficult terrain made it hard for Liu Bei's forces to spread out and maintain supply lines, while Lu Xun used the terrain to his advantage by retreating to more defensible positions and eventually launching a successful counterattack.

How did Lu Xun manage to defeat Liu Bei's forces with the fire attack?

Lu Xun took advantage of the summer heat and the dry conditions to launch a fire attack on Liu Bei's camps, which were spread out over a large area and made of flammable materials. By setting fire to these camps, Lu Xun caused chaos and disarray among Liu Bei's troops, leading to their defeat in the subsequent counterattack.

Why did Lu Xun initially refuse to send reinforcements to Sun Huan?

Lu Xun refused to send reinforcements to Sun Huan because he believed that the situation was under control. He assessed that Sun Huan's forces had strong defenses, sufficient supplies, and the morale to withstand the Shu army's siege. This decision allowed Lu Xun to keep his forces concentrated for the decisive battle later on.

What was the impact of the Battle of Yiling on the Three Kingdoms period?

The Battle of Yiling had a significant impact on the Three Kingdoms period by solidifying the territorial boundaries of Wei, Shu, and Wu. The battle weakened the Shu Han significantly, forcing them into a defensive stance, while Soochow retained control of Jingzhou. This battle marked a period of relative stability and fixed borders among the three kingdoms.

What tactics did Liu Bei use in his final attempt to defeat Lu Xun?

In his final attempt to defeat Lu Xun, Liu Bei tried to lure the Wu forces into a trap by setting up an ambush in a valley and sending Wu Ban with a small force to provoke the Soochow army. However, Lu Xun, suspecting a trick, refused to take the bait, causing Liu Bei's plan to fail.

Why did Lu Xun choose not to pursue Liu Bei after the battle?

Lu Xun chose not to pursue Liu Bei after the battle because Liu Bei had retreated to Baidi City, where he had strong defenses and reinforcements. Additionally, Lu Xun was concerned about the possibility of Cao Wei attacking Soochow from the rear, so he decided to withdraw and avoid overextending his forces.

How did the defeat at Yiling affect Liu Bei personally and politically?

The defeat at Yiling was a devastating blow to Liu Bei personally and politically. He lost a significant portion of his army, many of his generals were killed, and his plans for expanding his kingdom were thwarted. This defeat marked the beginning of the decline of Shu Han's power and Liu Bei's eventual death shortly afterward.