Traditional Chinese 司馬望 Name Sima Wang Courtesy name Zichu (子初) Grandparents Sima Fang | Pinyin Parents Sima Fu Simplified Chinese 司马望 Died 271 AD | |
Similar People Chen Tai, Deng Ai, Guo Huai, Jiang Wei | ||
Sima Wang (205–271), courtesy name Zichu, was a military general of the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. He served the Jin Dynasty after the end of the Three Kingdoms period. He was the second son of Sima Fu, but was adopted by his older uncle Sima Lang, and became Sima Lang's heir.
Life
From the time when Sima Zhao held real power over the state of Cao Wei, Sima Wang came into favor and was given high positions. Against invasions by the rival state of Shu Han, Sima Wang took command in 257. In the east, Zhuge Dan defected to Wu, and Jiang Wei hoped to use the opportunity to invade Wei. The first step on his campaign was to capture the large grain depot at Chang. Deng Ai predicted this and led men to occupy the depot. Sima Wang also saw the danger and led his forces to reinforce the position, joining Deng Ai there. Jiang Wei attacked but they easily repulsed him. He then occupied a position along the Mang river and tried to lure Sima Wang and Deng Ai out of Chang to battle. However, both commanders chose to ignore this, since all they had to do was wait for Jiang Wei’s supplies to run out. This led to a standoff that lasted for several months, but Jiang Wei finally retreated early in 258 when he received word of Zhuge Dan’s defeat. For this accomplishment of helping to successfully repulse the enemy, he was given the rank of Minister over the Masses (司徒).
When Sima Yan became the first emperor of the Jin Dynasty, Sima Wang was again promoted, this time to Grand Marshal (大司馬), and he was given the title of Prince of Langyang (義陽王), elevating his status to nobility.
Of Sima Wang, it was said that he was a very able man, and that he enjoyed debates with other men of intelligence.