Sun Quan
Sun Quan (born ad 181, China—died 252, China) was the founder and first emperor of the Wu dynasty, one of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo) into which China was divided at the end of the Han period (206 bc–ad 220). The Wu occupied the area in eastern China around Nanjing and lasted from 222 to 280. Its capital, Jianye, became Nanjing.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Sun Quan
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
01 January 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026