Xiong Yan (Chinese: 熊嚴, died 828 BC) was from 837 to 828 BC the 11th ruler of the state of Chu during the Western Zhou dynasty of ancient China. Like other early Chu rulers, he held the hereditary noble rank of zi (子) first granted to his ancestor Xiong Yi by King Cheng of Zhou.[1]
| Xiong Yan | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruler of Chu | |||||
| Reign | 837–828 BC | ||||
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Xiong Yan's father's name is also romanised Xiong Yan, but spelt 熊延 in Chinese characters. He was succeeded as the ruler of Chu by his older son Xiong Yong. Xiong Yong died in 838 BCE and the younger Xiong Yan succeeded his older brother.[1]
Xiong Yan had four sons: Xiong Shuang (熊霜), Xiong Xue (熊雪), Xiong Kan (熊堪), and Xiong Xun (熊徇). When Xiong Yan died in 828 BC he was succeeded by his first son Xiong Shuang. However, when Xiong Shuang died six years later, Xiong Yan's three younger sons fought one another for the throne. The youngest son Xiong Xun was ultimately victorious and ascended the throne, while Xiong Xue was killed and Xiong Kan escaped to Pu (濮).[1]