Duke Xian of Qin (725–704 BC)
ruler of Qin
Duke Xian of Qin (Chinese: 秦憲公; pinyin: Qín Xiàn Gōng, 725–704 BC), personal name unknown, was a duke of the state of Qin during the Eastern Zhou dynasty. His posthumous name was recorded as Duke Ning of Qin (秦寧公) in the Records of the Grand Historian by Western Han historian Sima Qian, but inscriptions on excavated bronzes from the era have proven that "Ning" (寧) was a miscopy of the correct character, "Xian" (憲).
Accession to the throne
Duke Xian succeeded his grandfather Duke Wen of Qin, who ruled for 50 years and died in 716 BC. Duke Xian was made the crown prince after his father predeceased Duke Wen in 718 BC. His father was given the posthumous title Duke Jing of Qin (秦竫公) although he never ascended the throne.
Reign
In 714 BC, the second year of Duke Xian's reign, the Qin capital was moved to Pingyang (平陽, in present-day Baoji, Shaanxi). The next year Qin defeated the Rong state of Bo (亳), whose king escaped to the Rong homeland.
In autumn 708 BC Qin attacked the minor state of Rui, but was defeated. Qin returned in winter with the army of King Huan of Zhou, defeated Rui, and captured Wan, Count of Rui.
Succession
In 704 BC Qin annexed Bo. Duke Xian died in the same year at the age of 21. He had three young sons: the eldest, later known as Duke Wu of Qin, was the crown prince.
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