2024

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Sun Jian, also known as the "Tiger of Jiangdong," was a prominent warlord during the late Eastern Han dynasty in China, primarily remembered for his role in the historical novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. He was the father of Sun Ce and Sun Quan, who would later found the Kingdom of Wu during the Three Kingdoms period.

Born into a family with military background, Sun Jian rose to prominence through his bravery and effectiveness in suppressing rebellions, notably the Yellow Turban Rebellion. He also participated in the campaign against Dong Zhuo, forming a part of the coalition against the tyrant. His military prowess and strategic acumen were highly regarded.

While *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* portrays him as a noble and courageous warrior, his historical legacy is more complex. He was a powerful figure vying for control amidst the chaos of the collapsing Han Dynasty. Sun Jian's early death during a campaign to seize Jing Province, struck by an arrow from an ambush, significantly altered the political landscape and paved the way for his sons to continue his ambition.