Xu Da

MedievalGeneralChina1332 — 1385

Ming dynasty's greatest general who drove the Mongols out of China.

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Quick Facts

Born

1332

Died

1385

Country

China

Era

Medieval

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)88

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)82

Legacy (20%)72

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)81

Total Score74.9

Xu Da — Complete Timeline

1368 AD

Capture of Dadu (Beijing)War

Xu Da led the Ming army in the capture of Dadu, the Yuan capital. The Mongol emperor Toghon Tem

Ming ConquestYuan DynastyCapital Capture

Impact: regionalconstructive

1370 AD

Appointment as Grand PreceptorPolitical Action

The Hongwu Emperor appointed Xu Da as Grand Preceptor, the highest civil official rank. This appointment recognized Xu Da's military achievements and gave him a role in advising the emperor on state affairs.

AppointmentCivil OfficeImperial Favor

Impact: nationalconstructive

1385 AD

Death from illnessOther

Xu Da died in Nanjing from a back ailment. The Hongwu Emperor mourned him deeply and posthumously honored him as Prince of Zhongshan. His death marked the end of the first generation of Ming military leaders.

DeathMing DynastyMilitary Leader

Impact: nationaltragic