Cao: Map & History
The State of Cao was a vassal state in China during the Zhou dynasty.
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The State of Cao was a vassal state in China during the Zhou dynasty. The state was founded sometime in the 11th century BC by Shu Zhenduo of Cao, a son of King Wen of Zhou and younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. With its capital at Taoqiu (陶丘), the State of Cao covered roughly the area of modern-day Dingtao County, Shandong Province. It was located on the flat country of the North China Plain about 50 miles east of the point where the current course of the Yellow River changes from east to north-east. To the northwest was Wey, to the northeast Lu and to the southeast Song.
Cao in Depth
History
As a result of the Cao's relative weakness, later generations wrote few records on events concerning the state's history. The only major event recorded in the Records of the Grand Historian during the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 – 770 BC) was in 826 BC when Count You of Cao was killed by his younger brother Count Dai of Cao.
At the beginning of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770 BC), the State of Cao suffered internal upheaval. In 760 BC, Duke Mu of Cao killed his elder brother Count Fei of Cao and appointed himself the eleventh ruler. He was the first ruler of the State of Cao to receive the title of "Duke" (公).
During the Spring and Autumn period the State of Cao became caught up in the struggle for hegemony between the states of Jin and Chu.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Cao (state) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Cao Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Cao appears, with the other states of the time.
Cao Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 4,012 km² in 616 BCE.
Cao: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Cao exist?
Cao is dated to 750 BCE – 451 BCE, in the Bronze & Iron Age Civilizations era.
What was the capital of Cao?
The capital of Cao was Táoqiū (陶丘).
How large was Cao at its peak?
At its peak in 616 BC Cao covered about 4,012 km².
How did the map of Cao change over time?
Cao 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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