The State of Lu is a Zhou Dynasty ducal vassal state before and during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history.

Founded in the 10th century BCE, its dukes use Ji, which literally means "concubine") as their family name.

The first duke is Boqin, whose personal name literally means "Elder Animal," using a generic term for animals and birds.

He is a son of Duke of Zhou, the then Prime Minister of Zhou.

The state's capital is in Qufu and its territory mainly covers the central and southwest regions of what is now Shandong Province.

It is bordered to the north by the powerful state of Qi and to the south by the powerful state of Chu.

Although a Qi invasion is defeated in the Battle of Changshao in 684 BCE, the state is in decline during the Spring and Autumn Period.

The political power of Lu is eventually split between the three powerful landlords Jisun, Mengsun and Shusun (all of them are descendants of Duke Huan of Lu) until Duke Mu of Lu insitutes a reform, while the land of Mengsun and Shusun is occupied by Qi and the House of Jisun founds their own state named Bi.

Lu is annexed in 256 BCE by the state of Chu.