The Conquest of Shu by Wei, a significant military campaign in the late Three Kingdoms period, marks a pivotal chapter in Chinese history. This event, occurring in 263 CE, led to the downfall of the Shu Han kingdom and the consolidation of the state of Wei's power, significantly altering the balance of power in the waning years of the Three Kingdoms era.

Shu Han, one of the three states of the Three Kingdoms period, was established by Liu Bei and maintained under the leadership of his successors, including Liu Shan, Liu Bei's son. By the mid-3rd century, Shu Han, while still maintaining its sovereignty, had weakened due to a combination of internal challenges and external pressures. These challenges included political infighting, economic difficulties, and the failure of repeated military campaigns against Wei, particularly those led by the famed Shu general and strategist, Zhuge Liang.

The state of Wei, under the effective control of the Sima family, particularly Sima Zhao, saw an opportunity to capitalize on Shu's vulnerabilities. Sima Zhao, recognizing the strategic importance of eliminating Shu as a rival and unifying the northern and western parts of China, planned an extensive campaign to conquer Shu.

The Wei campaign against Shu was meticulously planned and executed. One of the key figures in this conquest was the Wei general Zhong Hui, who led the military campaign along with Deng Ai. The Wei forces capitalized on Shu's weakened state and internal discord, advancing through strategic routes into the heartland of Shu territory.

One of the most significant moments of the campaign was Deng Ai's bold and unexpected maneuver, where he led his troops through treacherous terrain to reach Chengdu, the capital of Shu, catching the Shu forces off guard. The swiftness and surprise of this move were crucial in undermining Shu's defensive efforts.

Faced with the overwhelming might of the Wei army and the rapid advance towards Chengdu, Liu Shan, the last emperor of Shu Han, ultimately surrendered to Wei. The fall of Chengdu and Liu Shan's surrender marked the end of Shu Han as an independent kingdom.

The conquest of Shu by Wei had profound implications for the Three Kingdoms period. It effectively eliminated Shu Han as a player in the ongoing power struggle, leaving Wei and Wu as the remaining two states. The annexation of Shu significantly bolstered Wei's position, providing them with additional resources, manpower, and territory.