Zhang Ao (died 182 BCE) was one of the feudal lords after the end of the
Qin dynasty (221-206 BC). Born in Zhao state, he was the son of Zhang Er (張耳), a Zhao general and participated in his father's campaigns against the last armies of the Qin. The hegemonial king
Xiang Yu of Western Chu made Zhang Er King of Changshan (常山王), but Zhang Er changed his loyalty to
Liu Bang, the eventual founder of the
Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and was titled as King of Zhao. In 202 Zhang Er died, and Zhang Ao succeeded him to the throne of Zhao. He was married to Liu Bang's daughter,
Princess Yuan of Lu (posthumous title). In 198 his plot to kill Liu Bang was reveiled, but he was pardoned and only demoted to Marquis of Xuanping (宣平侯). Zhang Ao's daughter became the wife of
Emperor Hui (r. 195-188), her own uncle. Zhang Ao died under the reign of the
Empress Dowager Lü (r. 188-180). His posthumous title was Marquis Wu (武侯), but he was also venerated as King Yuan of Lu (魯元王).