“She would take part in numerous campaigns, and even enjoyed the distinction of commanding the largest army in ancient Chinese history.”

Mulan is back. The live action remake of Disney’s popular 1998 animated feature, which hits theatres this spring, tells the tale of the Chinese ‘warrior princess’ Hua Mulan. According to the seventh-century ballad upon which the movie is based, the young noblewoman disguised herself as a man to lead her aging father’s army to victory in battle against barbarian hordes. As the buzz for the new film builds, MHN contributor George Yagi Jr. – who is himself just back from a tour of China – delves into the story of yet another, even more ancient heroine from the Far East, and one who hasn’t been the subject of a Hollywood blockbuster. Her name is Fu Hao. (Ed.) 

By George Yagi Jr.

ACCORDING TO LEGEND, China’s Shang dynasty was founded in 1600 BC by King Cheng Tang following the defeat of the mythical Xia. Forged in the midst of battle, this newly unified state would maintain its superiority through conflict until its collapse in 1046 BC.

Great advancements in the field of warfare would be made during the reigns of the Shang kings including the introduction of bronze weaponry, the use of composite bows and the appearance of horse-drawn chariots.

As the Shang struggled with its enemies to dominate ancient China, one unique warrior emerged who would play an important role in ensuring the dynasty’s survival: Lady Fu Hao.

Fu Hao emerged during the reign of King Wu Ding, who ruled from 1250 to 1192 BC. To consolidate their power, allied tribes from across the kingdom sent young brides to the capital, Yin, to marry the monarch. Owing to her intelligence and strong will, Fu Hao stood out and quickly became one of the king’s favourites. She eventually rose to the ranks of consort, priestess and general.

In regards to her military career, Fu Hao’s exploits on the battlefield began with the incursions of the Tu Fang into Shang territory. Two Shang armies marched out of the capital on expeditions to the southeast and southwest when the Tu Fang struck unexpectedly from the north.

Sensing the great plight, the dynasty now faced, Fu Hao volunteered to lead the army in driving out the enemy. From an early age she had received military training, and after years of travelling across the country with her husband, was familiar with its terrain. However, before allowing his wife to go into battle, Wu Ding insisted on consulting with the oracle.

Such divinations were done with questions being written on either tortoise shells or ox scapula, after which a hot metal rod was applied until cracks appeared on the bone that were then interpreted as an answer from the spirits. After the signs foretold of Fu Hao’s success, she was given a large bronze battle axe or yue to carry into battle as a sign of her rank. Leading her troops at the front, she crushed the Tu Fang.  This was just the beginning of her fighting career.

As the Shang dynasty maintained its position through warfare, it did not take long for Fu Hao to be called into combat once again. In fact, she would take part in numerous campaigns, and even enjoyed the distinction of commanding the largest army in ancient Chinese history, which numbered 13,000 men. Some of the troops were from her own private forces.

During operations against another rebellious tribe, the Bafang, she is also recorded as being the first Chinese general to employ ambush tactics on the battlefield in coordination with her husband, who drove the enemy strait into her trap. As a result of the royal couple’s combined strategy, the Bafang were decisively crushed. However, after Fu Hao’s return to the capital following this victory, she fell ill and died at the age of 33.

Fu Hao’s loss was a major blow to Wu Ding, who prepared a very special tomb in honour of his wife; traditionally, she would have shared a grave with her husband.

In 1976, archeologists discovered her undisturbed resting place near Anyang, in Henan province. On encountering a massive cache of 130 weapons placed inside the chamber, scholars initially believed it to be the resting place of a prominent male ruler. However, upon examining the two yue axes, they could clearly see the name etched in bronze that read, “Fu Hao.”

Following her death, Wu Ding had constructed a hall above her grave to conduct ceremonies in her honour. With the establishment of the Zhou dynasty in 1046 B.C., Yi was abandoned and the capital relocated to Fenghao. The once-magnificent city fell into ruin and disappeared, along with all traces of Fu Hao.

Today, the grave and building above it has been restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a fitting tribute to ancient China’s warrior queen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. George Yagi Jr. is an award winning author and historian at the University of the Pacific. Follow him on Twitter @gyagi_jr