Zhang Lu

Zhang Lu was a Chinese warlord and religious leader during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period. Originally a Taoist priest who founded the Five Pecks of Rice movement, he later became a powerful regional ruler in northwest China. Known for combining spiritual leadership with military and political control, Zhang Lu established a theocratic state centered around his religious community. His influence declined after conflicts with rival warlords like Cao Cao, leading to his surrender. He is notable for blending religious authority with political governance, shaping regional history during a turbulent era of Chinese history.