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Gao Rou

174 – 263

Chinese Cao Wei official

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About Gao Rou

Lived 174 – 263 (aged 88–89). Gao Rou was a politician.

Gao Rou (174 – October or November 263), courtesy name Wenhui, was a Chinese politician of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He was a younger relative of Gao Gan. He previously served under the warlords Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in the late Eastern Han dynasty.

Service under Cao Cao In April 211, Cao Cao sent Zhong Yao and Xiahou Yuan to lead an army to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong Commandery. As they were due to pass through the Guanzhong region along the way, Gao Rou advised Cao that by sending a large army westwards, Ma Chao and Han Sui would believe that the army was targeted at them; they would then rise in rebellion. What Cao Cao should do was to first pacify the Guanzhong region; once the region is stabilised, Zhang Lu would surrender once an edict was issued to him. Cao Cao ignored Gao; when Zhong Yao entered Guanzhong, Ma and Han did indeed rebel.

Service under Cao Wei Gao Rou was one of several officials who petitioned for clemency on behalf of Bao Xun; Cao Pi rejected their petitions and executed Bao.

During the Incident at the Gaoping Tombs, Sima Yi granted imperial authority to Gao Rou, who was then already 75 years old and the Minister over the Masses (司徒), appointed him as acting General-in-Chief (大將軍), and ordered him to take command of Cao Shuang's troops. He also told Gao Rou, "You're now like Zhou Bo."

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Important facts

Born
174, Kaifeng
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Cao Wei
Also known as
Ko Yau

People in Gao Rou's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Gao Rou's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Gao Rou?

Chinese Cao Wei official (174-263)

When was Gao Rou born?

Gao Rou was born in 174 in Kaifeng.

When did Gao Rou die?

Gao Rou died on 17 November 263.

What was Gao Rou's occupation?

Gao Rou was a politician.

What nationality was Gao Rou?

Gao Rou's recorded nationality: Cao Wei.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Gao Rou

· Wikidata: Q713570

· DBpedia: Gao Rou

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gao Rou. https://biography.guide/gao-rou/

MLA: "Gao Rou." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gao-rou/.

Chicago: "Gao Rou." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gao-rou/.

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