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King Ji of Zhou

Also known as Ji Li

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About King Ji of Zhou

King Ji of Zhou was a monarch.

Jili was a leader of the Predynastic Zhou during the Shang dynasty of ancient China. His son King Wen and grandson King Wu would defeat the Shang to establish the Zhou dynasty. He was posthumously granted the title of king, and often referred to as Ji, King of Zhou.

Jili's ancestral name was Ji. He was the youngest son of King Tai. Sima Qian recorded that Jili and his son were both renowned for their wisdom and this reputation caused his elder brothers Taibo and Zhongyong to renounce voluntarily their claims to the throne and to leave in exile to Wu.

Surviving historical records portray him travelling to the Shang capital to submit to Wu Yi and being rewarded with land, jade, and horses in 1118 BC. In 1117, he captured 20 "kings" of the Guirong tribes. During the reign of the Shang king Wen Ding, he was defeated by the Yanjing Rong but managed to subdue the Yuwu , Hu , and Xitu Rong. After the defeat of the Xitu tribe, Wen Ding became nervous and betrayed him, rewarding him richly before locking him up in a storehouse, starving him to death. Jili's death caused his son Ji Chang to harbor hatred towards the Shang. However, the Zhou were still weak and must serve the Shang, Ji Chang only plotted revenge.

Jili's wife was Tai Ren , also known as Si Qi . Tai Ren, along with Jiang Yuan, were credited by Sima Qian as two women responsible for the success of the Zhou. She came from a place called Zhi and represented some connection to the Shang royalty.

Jili had at least three sons. The eldest son was King Wen, whose son King Wu established the Zhou dynasty of China upon defeating the Shang at the Battle of Muye. The second eldest son was enfeoffed in Eastern Guo, also known as , and the third eldest son in Western Guo, also known as , by their nephew King Wu.

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Important facts

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Frequently asked questions

Who was King Ji of Zhou?

also known as Ji Li

What was King Ji of Zhou's occupation?

King Ji of Zhou was a monarch.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: King Ji of Zhou

· Wikidata: Q1055128

· DBpedia: Ji, King of Zhou

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). King Ji of Zhou. https://biography.guide/king-ji-of-zhou/

MLA: "King Ji of Zhou." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/king-ji-of-zhou/.

Chicago: "King Ji of Zhou." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/king-ji-of-zhou/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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