Cao Cao

Cao Cao (c. 155 – 15 March 220 AD) was a Chinese statesman, warlord, and poet who gained power at the end of the Han dynasty. He effectively controlled the Han central government and laid the groundwork for the state of Cao Wei, which his son Cao Pi later established, ending the Eastern Han dynasty and beginning the Three Kingdoms period. Cao Cao started as a Han official, rising to prominence in the 190s by forming his own army and establishing a base. In 196 AD, he took control of Emperor Xian and the central government, moving the capital to Xuchang. He waged wars against rival warlords, unifying much of northern China after defeating Yuan Shao in 200 AD.