Cai: Map & History
Cai was an ancient Chinese state established at the beginning of the Zhou dynasty, rising to prominence during the Spring and Autumn period, and destroyed early in the Warring States period.
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Cai was an ancient Chinese state established at the beginning of the Zhou dynasty, rising to prominence during the Spring and Autumn period, and destroyed early in the Warring States period.
Cai in Depth
History
Following his overthrow of the Shang king Zhou, King Wu of Zhou granted titles and territories to his younger brothers. The fifth brother, Cai Shu Du, was enfeoffed at present-day Shangcai (lit. "Upper Cai") in Henan. During the Three Guards Rebellion, he attempted to usurp the Duke of Zhou's position as regent to the young king and his defeat meant his deposition and exile.
Du's son Ji Hu, however, proved a loyal and capable ambassador for Cheng and the Duke of Zhou, and they rewarded him with the reestablishment of his father's territory and title, which he was able to pass on to his son, Ji Huang.
As the Chinese peerage developed, Cai was initially considered a county and then elevated to a march; it was never able, however, to become a duchy or kingdom in its own right.
Legacy
With the spread of surnames to all Chinese during the Qin dynasty, many people from the former state took the surname Cai in memory of their former home.
These former subjects have undertaken two major migrations. During the Huang Chao Rebellion against the Tang in AD 875, the Cai clan moved to Guangdong and Fujian. A later migration occurred when the Ming loyalist Koxinga relocated many Cai officers to Taiwan in the 17th century.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Cai (state) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Cai: Key Facts
| Capitals | Shangcai County, Xincai County, Fengtai County |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1045 BCE |
| Dissolved | 447 BCE |
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q1025803 (CC0).
Cai Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Cai appears, with the other states of the time.
Cai Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 3,683 km² in 466 BCE.
Cai: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Cai exist?
Cai is dated to 750 BCE – 451 BCE, in the Bronze & Iron Age Civilizations era.
What was the capital of Cai?
The capital of Cai was Shàngcài (上蔡), Xīncài (新蔡), Xiàcài (下蔡).
How large was Cai at its peak?
At its peak in 466 BC Cai covered about 3,683 km².
How did the map of Cai change over time?
Cai appears on 2 dated world maps in the atlas, from 750 BCE to 500 BCE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.
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