The Red Cliffs Alliance and Battle

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms

This flow traces how Xuande and Sun Quan overcome their mistrust to resist Cao Cao, using deception, diplomacy, and fire.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Northern Advance A Northern Advance from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Threat at the River Jingzhou Surrenders Liu Zong yields to Cao Cao, giving the northern army a route toward the south and placing Xuande’s followers in…

A Northern Advance from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Threat at the River Jingzhou Surrenders Liu Zong yields to Cao Cao, giving the northern army a route toward the south and placing Xuande’s followers in…

A Threat at the River Jingzhou Surrenders Liu Zong yields to Cao Cao, giving the northern army a route toward the south and placing Xuande’s followers in danger. A Difficult Retreat Xuande refuses to abandon civilians moving with his army. The slow flight reveals that the coming contest is about both territory and the protection of ordinary people.

The Alliance Debate The Alliance Debate from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Persuasion in Wu Divided Counsel Sun Quan’s advisers disagree about whether to resist Cao Cao or submit.

The Alliance Debate from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Persuasion in Wu Divided Counsel Sun Quan’s advisers disagree about whether to resist Cao Cao or submit.

Persuasion in Wu Divided Counsel Sun Quan’s advisers disagree about whether to resist Cao Cao or submit. Kong Ming debates the court and argues that Wu should treat Xuande as an ally. A Strategic Decision Zhou Yu explains why Cao Cao’s large army is less formidable than it appears: its men are tired, unfamiliar with naval warfare, and operating far from home.

Deception on the River Deception on the River from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Battle Won Before It Begins False Defections Huang Gai feigns a break with Zhou Yu, while Kan Ze carries a letter designed to persuade Cao Cao that the…

Deception on the River from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Battle Won Before It Begins False Defections Huang Gai feigns a break with Zhou Yu, while Kan Ze carries a letter designed to persuade Cao Cao that the…

A Battle Won Before It Begins False Defections Huang Gai feigns a break with Zhou Yu, while Kan Ze carries a letter designed to persuade Cao Cao that the defection is genuine. Chained Ships Pang Tong persuades Cao Cao to link his ships together, ostensibly to steady seasick soldiers. The arrangement will make a fire attack far more destructive.

Borrowed Arrows Borrowed Arrows from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Resource Turned Against Its Owner The Straw Boats Kong Ming sends boats covered with straw bales into thick fog and orders noise that suggests an attack.

Borrowed Arrows from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". A Resource Turned Against Its Owner The Straw Boats Kong Ming sends boats covered with straw bales into thick fog and orders noise that suggests an attack.

A Resource Turned Against Its Owner The Straw Boats Kong Ming sends boats covered with straw bales into thick fog and orders noise that suggests an attack. Arrows Collected Cao Cao’s archers fire into the fog, filling the straw with arrows. Kong Ming returns with the supply Zhou Yu demanded, converting the enemy’s defensive response into his own advantage.

Fire at Red Cliffs Fire at Red Cliffs from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". The Northern Fleet Burns Wind and Timing Kong Ming’s prayer for an eastern wind supplies the condition Zhou Yu needs to launch the fire attack.

Fire at Red Cliffs from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". The Northern Fleet Burns Wind and Timing Kong Ming’s prayer for an eastern wind supplies the condition Zhou Yu needs to launch the fire attack.

The Northern Fleet Burns Wind and Timing Kong Ming’s prayer for an eastern wind supplies the condition Zhou Yu needs to launch the fire attack. Huang Gai brings fireboats toward Cao Cao’s chained fleet. A Decisive Defeat The flames spread from ship to ship, destroying the northern fleet and forcing Cao Cao to flee. The victory preserves the political space in which the Three Kingdoms can emerge.

After Liu Biao’s death

Before the Red Cliffs battle

During preparations for the battle

On the foggy night before the main battle

The winter of AD 208