Research Article
Biography of “Jian Lu” and the Qin Army's Southern Campaign Against the Baiyue
Yan Yuanliang*
,
Li Yunpeng
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
48-55
Received:
18 April 2026
Accepted:
29 April 2026
Published:
10 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.history.20261402.11
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Abstract: The Lingqu Canal, one of the most renowned hydraulic projects in ancient China, was built in the Qin dynasty (B.C.221-B.C.207) for the military transportation purpose in the war of conquering Baiyue（百越）nationality. According to historical literature data from Records of the Historian and Huainanzi（淮南子）, its builder "Jian Lu（监禄）", named “Lu”（禄）as an inspector, was a celebrated hydraulic engineer in antiquity, yet records about him and the historical context of the Lingqu Canal's construction remain extremely sparse in hydraulic history research, with no significant progress made over time. After reading through Qin bamboo slips excavated from Liye（里耶）in western Hunan, we found slips mentioning "Qianling Shou Lu" (the acting governor of Qianling county). Based on the dates, locations, and events recorded on these slips, combined with military and historical background analysis of the period, as well as academic achievements in historical geography, it can be largely confirmed that the "Qianling Shou Lu" mentioned in the Qin bamboo slips corresponds to the Lingqu Canal's builder "Jian Lu" documented in historical literature. He had served successively as the Administrator of Jingshan Dao（荆山道）and the magistrate of Qianling County, later being promoted to inspector of Dongting Commandery. He was responsible for provisioning the Qin army with food and military supplies, overseeing logistics and canal construction during the Qin army's advance into Lingnan.
Abstract: The Lingqu Canal, one of the most renowned hydraulic projects in ancient China, was built in the Qin dynasty (B.C.221-B.C.207) for the military transportation purpose in the war of conquering Baiyue（百越）nationality. According to historical literature data from Records of the Historian and Huainanzi（淮南子）, its builder "Jian Lu（监禄）", named “Lu”（禄）as an...
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