Shang dynasty King Wu Ding (武丁) (reigned 1250–1192 BCE)[1] conferred the lands of the State of Deng on his younger brother Zĭ Màn (子曼) who passed it down to later generations.

During the reign of Wú Lí (吾离) Deng became rich and powerful for a time but its influence declined with the rise of the hegemonies during the Spring and Autumn period.

Even though Dèng was the native area of Dèng Màn (邓曼), one of the wives of King Wén's father King Wǔ of Chǔ (楚武王), the State of Deng lay on the borders of the State of Chu such that its overthrow would prove convenient for the expansion of Chu.

Three vigilant chancellors of the State of Deng, Zhuīshēng (騅甥/骓甥), Dānshēng (聃甥) and Yǎngshēng (養甥/养甥) urged their lord to kill King Wén[2] The Marquess of Deng did not listen.

In 678 BCE King Wén of Chu overthrew the State of Deng.