Yuan Shao

Yuan Shao (d. 202 CE) was a powerful warlord of the late Eastern Han dynasty, born into one of China’s most prestigious aristocratic families. Charismatic and influential, he led a great coalition against Dong Zhuo and later controlled the vast northern plains. Though wealthy and well-resourced, indecision and strategic mistakes led to his defeat by Cao Cao. His fall marked a major shift of power in the Three Kingdoms era.