Pridmore, SaxbyPridmore, William2023-02-141039-8562http://hdl.handle.net/1885/285207Objectives: To characterize suicide in early China, as a means of extending knowledge of this behaviour. Methods: We examined Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and collated and considered relevant details. Results: In early China, loss of authority/status, loved ones and fortune were triggers for suicide. The expression of the intention to suicide, either by word or action, was observed and elicited a placating response. Less frequent, but nevertheless clearly recorded, were accounts of suicide completed to satisfy the wishes of others. Conclusions: The suicide and related behaviour of early China shares many features with late Western societies, but one form (to satisfy the wishes of others) is currently undetected.application/pdfen-AU© 2018 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatristssuicidemental disorderpredicament suicidehistory201810.1177/10398562187810132021-12-02