Chu (楚), originally known as Jing (荆) and then Jingchu (荆楚), was an independant state that existed during China's Spring and Autumn period and, subsequently, the Warring States period. At the height of its power, the Chu empire occupied vast portions of land, including the present-day provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Chongqing, Henan, and parts of Jiangsu.

History

The land of Jing was inhabited by the native Chu peoples, later on becoming part of the Zhou dynasty. Prior to Zhou's dissolution of power, the land was transferred by authority of the Zhoucheng King of Eastern Zhou to Xiong Yi . Under his rule, Chu grew from a small, dependant state into a large empire worthy of contention, even claiming the title of one of "The Five Overlord States of the Spring and Autumn Period" (春秋五霸). Chu overran Cai to the north in 447 BC. The power of the kingdom continued after the Spring and Autumn period had ended. In 333 BC Chu, along with Qi, conquered the coastal state of Yue. By the late Warring States period, however, Chu's prominent status had fallen into disarray. As a result of several invasions heeded by Zhao and Qin, Chu was eventually overcome by its military oppressors.