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A portrait of Cao Cao. Photo By Wang Qi –

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Cao Cao 

Cao Cao, who was also known as Mengde, was a Chinese statesman and a warlord. He was born in AD 155 Qiao County, Pei State, Han Empire. His father was Cao Song who was a foster son of Cao Teng. 

Cao Cao grew up to become a brilliant ruler, military genius, and great poet with unrivaled charisma ending up as the final chancellor of the Eastern Han dynasty.  

He rose to great power by forming his state during the political turmoil in the dynasty鈥檚 last years. Being a poet, the following are a few of his quotes that are well known today. 

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 judge a book by its cover.鈥�   

鈥淚 remain myself. I have never cared about others misjudging me.鈥�  

鈥淚 like to kill people in my dreams, so when I fall asleep, be sure not to come too close.鈥�  

“I’d rather betray others than have others betray me.”   

鈥淩ecognize and acknowledge your mistakes, but never admit them.” 

Here are 10 interesting facts about Cao Cao. 

1. A Lineage of Powerful Men 

Cao Cao鈥檚 father Cao Sang was a high-ranking official who served as a finance minister under Emperor Ling and later became Grand Commandant.    

The man who raised Cao Sang, his foster father Cao Teng, was one of the favorite eunuchs of Emperor Huan. Cao Song’s original family name before being adopted and fostered was Xiahou and it was believed he was a relative of Xiahou Dun a Chinese military general and politician. 

2. His Greatness had been Foretold 

When Cao Cao was young he visited Xu Shao, a man renowned for his ability to judge character, and asked for an assessment that would help him politically.  

Xu Shao first refused to give a statement. After persistent questioning, he said, “You would be a capable minister in peaceful times and an unscrupulous hero in chaotic times.” Cao Cao laughed and left.  

3. Had Multiple Talents 

Statue of Cao Cao in Wuhan. Photo By Dhugal Fletcher

Cao Cao鈥檚 special skills were Martial Arts, Poetry, And Calligraphy. Not only did he write poems, but he also wrote various war journals. His remarks were added to The Art of War written by Sun Tzu. 

His poems and verses refined the poetic style of his time and beyond. He made a great contribution to the poetry styles associated with Tang dynasty poetry. Cao played a significant part in the Shanshui poetry genre. 

Unfortunately, most of his poetry has been lost and damaged over the centuries. It鈥檚 a good thing that his sons Cao Pi and Cao Zhi took after him. 

4. A Crafty and Naughty Adolescent  

Cao Cao was known for his craftiness as a young adult. According to the Biography of Cao Man, his uncle frequently complained to his father, Cao Song, about the boy鈥檚 indulgence in hunting and music with his friends.  

To oppose this, Cao Cao feigned a fit before his uncle who quickly informed his father. Cao Song immediately rushed to see his son who then acted normally.  

When asked, Cao Cao replied, “I have never had such illness but I lost the love of my uncle and therefore he has deceived you.” 

Since then, Cao Song stopped believing his brother鈥檚 reports regarding his son鈥檚 behavior, making Cao Cao more resilient in his wayward pursuits. 

5. Cao Cao was a Fair Leader 

Cao Cao statue at the Government Office of Prime Minister. Photo By Morio –

Often called a ruthless, cunning, and merciless tyrant, Cao Cao has been praised as a great ruler who treated his officers as family.  

He also promoted people according to their capabilities and strengths, and not by their social standing which was determined by birth. This modern approach was received with criticism from some.  

6. Cao Cao鈥檚 Many Wives 

This founder of three kingdoms had 15 wives and 25 children. Of all these children, his sons Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were the most famous. 

Women who gave birth to his children were the only ones recognized as wives which means he had countless concubines. He was also known for taking other people鈥檚 wives, without caring who their husbands were. 

Cao Cao would take the widows of opponents he defeated in battle, which was considered equivalent to gaining political power. He selected women who were not interested in power because during the Han Dynasty there was a lot of political interference.   

As long as he liked a woman, he took her. One time he competed with his son Cao Pi over someone鈥檚 wife. 

7. His Powerful Leadership and Defeating the Yellow Turban Rebellion    

Many people died during the locust plague of AD 194 due to the widespread famine that followed. This caused a lot of insecurity due to bandits and wars.  

Many people migrated to his empire for security reasons. They had faith he would fight off any attacker and win. He set up agricultural policies that heavily taxed the farmers to support his wars and enrich his empire.  

Cao Cao ordered his officials to search for talented children in his jurisdiction to set up schools for them. He declared that all gifted children had gone to school. 

Cao Cao was appointed Captain to head the army that was sent to Yu Province to end the Yellow Turban Rebellion when it broke out in AD 184. He also went to Ji鈥檔an to prevent the spread of the rebellion by using aggressive methods and banning unorthodox cults.  

8. Cao Cao鈥檚 Death and the Tomb 

The tomb that is the purported burial site of Cao Cao. Photo By Rolfmueller –

At the age of 65, Cao Cao started getting headaches and on 15th March 220 he passed on in Luoyang, China. He was buried near Ximen Bao’s tomb in Ye, without gold and jade treasures as he had instructed. 

He had also said that none of his subjects on duty were to attend his funeral. His eldest surviving son Cao Pi succeeded him. His tomb attracted lots of attention in 2009 when it was discovered in Xigaoxue Village in Anyang County, Henan Province. Archeologists found a collection of artifacts at the tomb site. 

9. The Novel 

In the 14th century, 11 centuries after Cao Cao鈥檚 death, a historical novel composed by Luo Guanzhong was released. The book is mostly historical facts but has some fictional or semi-fictional events. It portrays him as a suspicious and cruel villain.  

10. Afterlife Honours 

Cao Cao Park in Bozhou, Anhui. Photo by Zhou Guanhuai –

Cao Cao was given the title ‘Grand Ancestor Emperor Wu of Wei’ and ‘King Wu of Wei’ after his death. There is also ‘Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum’ that was constructed at the original site of his tomb. 

In Wuhan, there is Cao Cao’s statue. Books, movies, and films have been produced telling his story.  He is also featured in card games and video games.