The Art of War (Sunzi bingfa) is a 5th-century BCE military treatise written by the Chinese strategist Sun-Tzu (aka Sunzi or Sun Wu). Covering all aspects of warfare, it seeks to advise commanders on how to prepare, mobilise, attack, defend, and treat the vanquished. One of the most influential texts in history, it has been used by military strategists for over 2,000 years and admired by leaders from Napoleon to Mao Zedong.
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Definition
Timeline
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512 BCE - 506 BCEThe Wu Chu wars in China between the States of Wu and Chu.
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506 BCEThe Battle of Boju at which the Wu forces under Sun-Tzu defeated the Chu.
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c. 500 BCEProbable life of Sun-Tzu, Military Strategist, author of The Art of War.
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c. 481 BCE - 221 BCEThe Warring States Period in China, suggested time-period for composition of The Art of War.
