Zhang Liao

Who was Zhang Liao?

Zhang Liao, style name Wenyuan, was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He served briefly in the state of Cao Wei, founded by Cao Cao's successor Cao Pi, in the early Three Kingdoms period before his death. He participated in many campaigns, including those against Yuan Shao's clan and the Wuhuan tribes. Zhang Liao was most noted for his pivotal role in the Battle of Xiaoyao Ford in 214–215, where he successfully defended Hefei fortress from the forces of the rival warlord Sun Quan.

Chen Shou, the author of the historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms, considered Zhang Liao among the Five Elite Generals under Cao Cao, along with Xu Huang, Yue Jin, Zhang He and Yu Jin.