Parents Zhang Er | ||
Children Empress Zhang Yan, Zhang Yan Grandchildren Emperor Qianshao of Han, Emperor Houshao of Han Similar Princess Yuan of Lu, Liu Ying, Empress Lü Zhi, Emperor Gaozu of Han | ||
Zhang Ao (Chinese: 張敖) (died 182 BCE) was one of the feudal lords after the end of the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC). Born in the Kingdom of Zhao, he was the son of Zhang Er (張耳), a Zhao general and participated in his father's campaigns against the last armies of the Qin. The hegemonial king Xiang Yu of Western Chu made Zhang Er King of Changshan (常山王), but Zhang Er changed his loyalty to Liu Bang, the eventual founder of the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and was titled as King of Zhao. In 202 Zhang Er died, and Zhang Ao succeeded him to the throne of Zhao. He was married to Liu Bang's daughter, Princess Yuan of Lu (posthumous title). In 198 his plot to kill Liu Bang was reveiled, but he was pardoned and only demoted to Marquis of Xuanping (宣平侯). Zhang Ao's daughter became the wife of Emperor Hui (r. 195-188), her own uncle. Zhang Ao died under the reign of the Empress Dowager Lü (r. 188-180). His posthumous title was Marquis Wu (武侯), but he was also venerated as King Yuan of Lu (魯元王).