Map Introduction

Jiao Province

Jiao Province was a strategically important region under the effective control of Eastern Wu from the late Eastern Han Dynasty through the Three Kingdoms period. Its historical evolution can be divided into several key stages:

Historical Background of Jiao Province

Jiao Province originated from the Jiaozhi Cishi Region (Inspectorate of Jiaozhi) established during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. It administered areas including modern Guangdong, Guangxi, and northern Vietnam. By the late Eastern Han period, Jiao Province was densely populated and commercially prosperous, but central control was weak. The region was long dominated by the local Shi Xie family, which controlled commanderies such as Cangwu and Nanhai.

Eastern Wu's Control

In 210 AD, Sun Quan dispatched Bu Zhi to serve as the Inspector of Jiao Province, formally intervening in the region's affairs. Bu Zhi suppressed local rebellions through military means, thereby establishing Eastern Wu's administrative control over Jiao Province. Subsequently, Jiao Province became an integral part of Eastern Wu's territory, with its domain at one point extending into northern Vietnam.

Internal Turmoil and Suppression

After Shi Xie's death, his son Shi Hui rebelled. Eastern Wu sent Lü Dai with 3,000 troops to suppress the revolt. Employing surprise tactics, Lü Dai pacified Hepu Commandery with only this force and advanced further south to Jiuzhen Commandery, compelling Shi Hui to surrender. This campaign consolidated Eastern Wu's direct rule over Jiao Province.

Administrative Reorganization

In the later period of Eastern Wu, due to frequent internal rebellions within Jiao Province (such as the Lü Xing rebellion in 263 AD), the region was divided into two parts: Guang Province and Jiao Province, in an effort to stabilize the situation. While this measure temporarily alleviated internal conflicts, it did not fully restore control over the lost territories.

Strategic Significance

Situated along the southeastern coast of Eastern Wu, Jiao Province possessed valuable port resources as well as salt and iron production. It served as a vital trade route connecting Eastern Wu with Southeast Asia. By controlling Jiao Province, Sun Quan could consolidate his southeastern defensive line and guard against potential threats from Cao Wei in the north and Shu Han in the southwest.