The Conquest of Wu by Jin, culminating in 280 CE, marked the final chapter in the storied Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. This military campaign, led by the Jin Dynasty under Emperor Wu (Sima Yan), resulted in the overthrow of the state of Eastern Wu, leading to the reunification of China under a single rule for the first time since the end of the Han Dynasty.

Eastern Wu, the last standing state of the original Three Kingdoms (Wei, Shu, and Wu), had managed to maintain its independence for several decades, despite the shifting political landscape. Ruled by Sun Hao at the time of the Jin invasion, Wu had seen a decline in its military and administrative efficiency, partly due to internal corruption and ineffective leadership.

The Jin Dynasty, established by Sima Yan after forcing the last Wei emperor to abdicate, was intent on unifying China. Having already absorbed the territory of Shu Han following its conquest in 263 CE, Jin turned its focus to Wu, the last piece in the puzzle of reunification. The campaign against Wu was a well-planned and coordinated effort, encompassing both naval and land operations.

The Jin military strategy involved multiple fronts, attacking Eastern Wu from the north and west, and deploying a powerful naval force to control the Yangtze River, a vital economic and strategic artery. The Jin forces were led by capable generals such as Du Yu, Wang Jun, and Sima Zhou, who coordinated their efforts to encircle and weaken Wu.

One of the key aspects of the Jin campaign was its emphasis on minimizing unnecessary destruction and encouraging surrenders. The Jin leadership offered leniency to Wu officials and military officers who surrendered, a tactic that helped in undermining Wu’s resistance and facilitated a relatively swift and bloodless conquest.

The fall of Eastern Wu was precipitated by the capture of its capital, Jianye (present-day Nanjing), a significant achievement that marked the end of organized resistance. Sun Hao, realizing the futility of further resistance, surrendered to the Jin forces, officially ending the existence of the state of Wu.

The Conquest of Wu by Jin was more than just a military victory; it had profound historical significance. It marked the reunification of China after a prolonged period of division and civil strife. This reunification under the Jin Dynasty symbolized the end of the age of the Three Kingdoms, an era that had been characterized by legendary figures, epic battles, and profound shifts in power dynamics.