Khitan
The Khitan were a nomadic people from Northeast Asia, originating in what is now Mongolia and Northeast China. Here is an in-depth look at the Khitan:
Historical Context
- The Khitan established the Liao Dynasty in 907 AD, which lasted until 1125 AD. This dynasty was unique as it was one of the few states in Chinese history where the ruling house was non-Han.
- Their rise to power came at the expense of the Tang Dynasty and the Bohai Kingdom, which they eventually overthrew.
Culture and Society
- The Khitan were originally a tribal confederation with a dual administrative system known as the "Northern and Southern Administration." This system allowed them to govern both their nomadic tribes and the sedentary population of the Liao Dynasty.
- They had a unique script, the Khitan Script, which remains largely undeciphered. This script was used alongside Chinese characters for administrative purposes.
- Their society was highly militaristic, and they were known for their cavalry skills, which played a crucial role in their expansion and control over vast territories.
Relations with Other Powers
- The Khitan had complex relationships with neighboring states, including the Song Dynasty to the south, with whom they had both conflicts and periods of peace.
- They also had interactions with the Jurchen, who later overthrew the Liao Dynasty and established the Jin Dynasty.
Decline and Legacy
- The Liao Dynasty fell to the Jurchen in 1125, marking the end of Khitan rule in the region. However, some Khitan tribes migrated westward, influencing the formation of the Qara Khitai in Central Asia.
- Despite the fall of their empire, the Khitan left a lasting cultural and political impact on the region, including their influence on the Yuan Dynasty and subsequent dynasties in China.
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