19 Facts About Sima Xun

Sima Xun was cruel and ambitious, and in 365, he rebelled in hopes of claiming independence in Liangzhou.

Sima Xun claimed to be the great-great-grandson of Sima Xun, a brother of Sima Yi.

Sima Xun was nine years old and living in Chang'an in 316 when the city fell to Han-Zhao forces led by Liu Yao that year.

Liu Yao's general, Linghu Ni discovered Sima Xun and decided to adopt him as his own son.

In 331, he arrived in Jiankang, where a branch of the Sima Xun clan had relocated and made it their dynasty's new capital.

In 336, Sima Xun was sent to Hanzhong to gather and populate the area with Jin subjects.

Sima Xun was routed, and after he fled, Li Shou reinforced the area by appointing new local administrators.

That year, the Inspector of Liangzhou, Huan Xuan passed away, so Yu Yi appointed Sima Xun to replace him.

Sima Xun camped at Xuangou before sending his general Liu Huan to capture the ancient capital of Chang'an.

Shi Zun sent Wang Lang to help Shi Bao, and Sima Xun, feeling that the Zhao forces had him outnumbered, decided not to advance.

Du knew how much Sima Xun was worried of Zhang's power, and so managed to persuade him to kill Zhang.

In 352, Sima Xun pretended to invite Zhang Ju over to meet him but instead had him arrested and executed.

In late 352, Huan Wen sent Sima Xun to help Zhou Fu, and the two generals finally managed to kill Xiao Jingwen and put down his rebellion.

Sima Xun harassed Qin through the Ziwu Valley while Liang's general, Wang Zhuo captured the city of Chencang.

Fu Xiong routed Sima Xun, causing him to retreat to Fort Nuwa.

Sima Xun faced Fu Xiong again at Chencang together with Wang Zhuo, but they too were defeated.

Sima Xun retreated to Hanzhong while Wang fled to Lueyang, officially ending the expedition in failure.

Sima Xun was cruel in administrating his province and was prone to killing his critics regardless of their positions.

Sima Xun's soldiers scattered, and soon after Xun and his officials were all captured by Zhu.