Lu was one of several states founded in eastern China at the very beginning of the Zhou dynasty, in order to extend Zhou rule far from its capital at
Zongzhou and power base in the
Guanzhong region. Throughout Western Zhou times, it played an important role in stabilising Zhou control in modern-day Shandong. During the early
Spring and Autumn period, Lu was one of the strongest states and a rival of Qi to its north. Under
Duke Yin and
Duke Huan of Lu, Lu defeated both Qi and
Song on several occasions. At the same time, it undertook expeditions against other minor states. This changed by the middle of the period, as Lu's main rival, Qi, grew increasingly dominant. Although a Qi invasion was defeated in the
Battle of Changshao in 684 BC, Lu would never regain the upper hand against its neighbour. Meanwhile, the power of the dukes of Lu was eventually undermined by the powerful feudal clans of Jisun (季孫), Mengsun (孟孫), and Shusun 叔孫 (called the
Three Huan because they were descendants of
Duke Huan of Lu). The domination of the Three Huan was such that
Duke Zhao of Lu, in attempting to regain power, was exiled by them and never returned. It would not be until
Duke Mu of Lu's reign, in the early
Warring States period, that power eventually returned to the dukes again. In 249 BC
King Kaolie of the
state of Chu invaded and annexed Lu. Duke Qing, the last ruler of Lu, became a commoner.
Mencius was a descendent of Qingfu (慶父), one of
Duke Huan of Lu's sons. The genealogy is found in the Mencius family tree (孟子世家大宗世系). ==Rulers==