The Unification of China

This flow traces Jin’s transformation of Wei’s inherited power into a unified empire and the end of the Three Kingdoms’ political division.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Wei Replaced by Jin

Sima Yan Takes the Throne A New Dynasty Sima Yan forces Cao Huan to abdicate and declares the Jin dynasty, formalizing the Sima family’s control of Wei. Incomplete Unification Shu has already fallen, but Wu remains independent. The new regime must still convert political inheritance into military control of the south.

Wu’s Court Decays

A Southern Kingdom Weakens Tyranny at Home Sun Hao relies on harsh punishments, heavy taxation, and palace extravagance. His ministers cannot persuade him to reform. Strategic Isolation Capable figures such as Lu Kang understand that Wu’s policies invite defeat, but their counsel is ignored and the court loses public support.

Yang Hu Waits for the Moment

Preparation Rather Than Impulse A Stable Border Yang Hu builds supplies and earns the trust of local people, while treating captured Wu soldiers humanely. A Delayed Opportunity He urges an invasion only when Wu’s internal disorder makes success likely. His patience distinguishes strategic preparation from mere ambition.

The Campaign Downriver

Jin Attacks on Multiple Fronts Coordinated Advance Sima Yan authorizes armies under Du Yu, Wang Jun, and other commanders to strike Wu’s cities and waterways. River Defenses Broken Sun Hao’s iron chains and spikes fail when Wang Jun sends burning vessels against them. The defensive barrier that was meant to halt Jin instead becomes a symbol of Wu’s unpreparedness.

The Three Kingdoms Become One

Surrender and Reunification The Capital Falls Jin forces take Jianye and Sun Hao surrenders. Du Yu opens stores of grain, allowing people who have endured years of war to receive food. A Political Cycle Closes Sima Yan’s victory reunites the realm under Jin. The ending completes the movement from Han unity to division and back to unity, without erasing the human cost of the cycle.

AD 265

During Sun Hao’s reign

Before the Jin invasion of Wu

AD 280

AD 280