Jing Ke

Yan, however, often seems like a marginal participant in the drama of history.

Without its brief resurgence under King Zhao of Yan or the famous but desperate assassination attempt by Crown Prince Dan through the swordsman Jing Ke, Yan might have faded quietly into obscurity.

Yet in one respect, Yan stands out among all of them.

If we measure endurance rather than power, Yan was one of the most resilient states of the Zhou world.

Qi forces soon counterattacked and regained their lost territory.

Not long afterward, the expanding state of Qin began conquering the other powers of China.

In desperation, Crown Prince Dan of Yan sent the assassin Jing Ke to kill the king of Qin.

The attempt failed, and Qin retaliated with overwhelming force.