WEI

one of the many warring states into which China was divided during the Eastern Chou period (770-221 BC). The state was located in what is now Shansi province, in north-central China. Wei was originally a vassal kingdom that was annexed by the neighbouring state of Chin in 661 BC. The latter kingdom was formally divided in 403 BC into three smaller kingdoms, those of Wei, Han, and Chao. Wei thus became one of the seven powers during the Warring States period (475-221 BC) of Chinese history. Wei embarked on several successful military campaigns against its neighbours in the first half of the 4th century, but it began to go into decline after losing an important battle against the state of Ch'i in 341 BC. Wei was conquered and annexed by the state of Ch'in in 225 BC.