CHAO

Pinyin Zhao, ancient Chinese feudal state, one of the seven powers that achieved ascendency during the Warring States Period (475221 Bc ) of Chinese history. In 403 Chao Chi, the founder of Chao, and the leaders of the states of Wei and Han partitioned the state of Chin. The state of Chao extended through northeastern and central Shansi and southwestern Hopeh. The state prospered for a time, seizing large areas of land within the territories of the states of Ch'i and Wei. It eventually became the strongest contender against the state of Ch'in, but its military strength was utterly destroyed by Ch'in in 260 BC; some 50,000 men were killed in battle, and most of the approximately 400,000 men who surrendered were slaughtered.